bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of season and post-fire on habitat preferences of the endangered Swayne’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Maze National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Tamrat Misganaw , Atickem Anagaw , Tsegaye Diress , Evangelista Paul , Bekele Afework , Stenseth Nils Chr.
Published: January 2020

Background

The availability of preferred habitats determines the spatial and temporal distribution of herbivores in savanna ecosystems. Understanding habitat preference of a targeted wildlife species is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Habitat preference of large grazers in connection to grass height and post-fire effect has been debated for the last century. Here, we examined the effects of season, grass height and burning on the habitat preference on Swayne’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Maze National Park. Data for seasonal habitat selection were collected using both direct observation along established transect lines and pellet counting using permanently established plots. Every month, we measured grass height commonly preferred by Swayne’s hartebeest in grassland habitat. Starting from the first week of burning, we recorded the abundance of Swayne’s hartebeest in both burned and unburned grassland patches.

Results

From detected pellets, 94.3% were recorded in the grassland habitat indicating that other habitat types are less used despite their extensive cover > 50% of the Park. During wet and early dry seasons, Swayne’s hartebeest exclusively preferred grassland habitat. We found that 85.2% (n = 1079) and 85.3% (n = 593) of individuals observed in areas with a grass height below 30 cm during wet and early-dry seasons, respectively; while 70.9% (n = 2288) preferred grass height below 30 cm during the dry season. The density of Swayne’s hartebeest in burned grassland area was higher than unburned grassland areas up to 150 days since burning. However, in unburned grassland areas, the density was initially low but showed increasing trend for consecutive days, reaching similar density with burned areas after 150 days since burning.

Conclusion

Swayne’s hartebeest exclusively preferred grassland habitat, particularly during wet and early-dry seasons, shortest available grass height in all seasons and were attracted to burned grassland areas. Our results suggested that fire played an important role in maintaining habitat quality in grassland, and that management should continue using controlled burning as a tool for the conservation of Swayne’s hartebeest. However, we remain cautious of our findings given the paucity of information regarding other confounding factors and the absence of long-term data on fire disturbance.
Exploring young women’s reasons for adopting intrauterine or oral emergency contraception in the United States: a qualitative study
Authors: Kaller Shelly , Mays Aisha , Freedman Lori , Harper Cynthia C. , Biggs M. Antonia
Published: January 2020

Background

The recent focus on increasing access to long-acting reversible contraceptive methods has often overlooked the diverse reasons why women may choose less effective methods even when significant access barriers have been removed. While the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is considered an acceptable alternative to emergency contraception pills (ECPs), it is unclear to what extent low rates of provision and use are due to patient preferences versus structural access barriers. This study explores factors that influence patients’ choice between ECPs and the copper IUD as EC, including prior experiences with contraception and attitudes toward EC methods, in settings where both options are available at no cost.

Methods

We telephone-interviewed 17 patients seeking EC from three San Francisco Bay Area youth-serving clinics that offered the IUD as EC and ECPs as standard practice, regarding their experiences choosing an EC method. We thematically coded all interview transcripts, then summarized the themes related to reasons for choosing ECPs or the IUD as EC.

Results

Ten participants left their EC visit with ECPs and seven with the IUD as EC option. Women chose ECPs because they were familiar and easily accessible. Reasons for not adopting the copper IUD included having had prior negative experiences with the IUD, concerns about its side effects and the placement procedure, and lack of awareness about the copper IUD. Women who chose the IUD as EC did so primarily because of its long-term efficacy, invisibility, lack of hormones, longer window of post-coital utility, and a desire to not rely on ECPs. Women who chose the IUD as EC had not had prior negative experiences with the IUD, had already been interested in the IUD, and were ready and able to have it placed that day.

Conclusions

This study highlights that women have varied and well-considered reasons for choosing each EC method. Both ECPs and the copper IUD are important and acceptable EC options, each with their own features offering benefits to patients. Efforts to destigmatize repeated use of ECPs and validate women’s choice of either EC method are needed to support women in their EC method decision-making.
Tylosin exposure reduces the susceptibility of Salmonella Typhimurium to florfenicol and tetracycline
Authors: Mechesso Abraham Fikru , Park Seung-Chun
Published: January 2020

Background

Antibiotics exposure has been implicated in the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to structurally related or unrelated antibiotics. Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic that has been administered to treat respiratory pathogenic bacteria in swine. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of exposure to a constant (3 μg/mL) and decreasing concentrations of tylosin on the susceptibility of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to various antibiotics.

Results

S. Typhimurium strains exposed to tylosin for 12 and 24 h in the in vitro dynamic model demonstrated at least an eight-fold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of florfenicol and tetracycline. Exposure to tylosin extended the lag-time of the growth curve and enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species. Gene expression analysis demonstrated up-regulation of the acrAB and tolC Salmonella efflux pump genes and its global regulators (marA and soxS). Besides, the expression of ompC gene was down-regulated in tylosin exposed S. Typhimurium.

Conclusion

Exposure to decreasing concentrations of tylosin could reduce the susceptibility of S. Typhimurium to florfenicol and tetracycline.
Correction to: Azithromycin has enhanced effects on lung fibroblasts from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients compared to controls
Authors: Krempaska Kristina , Barnowski Sandra , Gavini Jacopo , Hobi Nina , Ebener Simone , Simillion Cedric , Stokes Andrea , Schliep Ronja , Knudsen Lars , Geiser Thomas K. , Funke-Chambour Manuela
Published: January 2020

After publication of our article [1], we have been notified that an extra alpha symbol (α) was mistakenly added at the beginning of the title.
Exempting low-risk health and medical research from ethics reviews: comparing Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands
Authors: Scott Anna Mae , Kolstoe Simon , Ploem M. C. ( Corrette) , Hammatt Zoë , Glasziou Paul
Published: January 2020

Background

Disproportionate regulation of health and medical research contributes to research waste. Better understanding of exemptions of research from ethics review in different jurisdictions may help to guide modification of review processes and reduce research waste. Our aim was to identify examples of low-risk human health and medical research exempt from ethics reviews in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands.

Methods

We examined documents providing national guidance on research ethics in each country, including those authored by the National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), National Health Service (United Kingdom), the Office for Human Research Protections (United States) and the Central Committee on Research Involving Humans (the Netherlands). Examples and types of research projects exempt from ethics reviews were identified, and similar examples and types were grouped together.

Results

Nine categories of research were exempt from ethics reviews across the four countries; these were existing data or specimen, questionnaire or survey, interview, post-marketing study, evaluation of public benefit or service programme, randomised controlled trials, research with staff in their professional role, audit and service evaluation, and other exemptions. Existing non-identifiable data and specimens were exempt in all countries. Four categories – evaluation of public benefit or service programme, randomised controlled trials, research with staff in their professional role, and audit and service evaluation – were exempted by one country each. The remaining categories were exempted by two or three countries.

Conclusions

Examples and types of research exempt from research ethics reviews varied considerably. Given the considerable costs and burdens on researchers and ethics committees, it would be worthwhile to develop and provide clearer guidance on exemptions, illustrated with examples, with transparent underpinning rationales.
Correction to: Chiropractic maintenance care - what’s new? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Axén Iben , Hestbaek Lise , Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte
Published: January 2020

After publication of our article [1] the authors have notified us that their names have been incorrectly tagged
A meta-analysis of perventricular device closure of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defects
Authors: Huang Jiang-Shan , Sun Kai-Peng , Huang Shu-Ting , Chen Qiang , Chen Liang-Wan , Kuo Yur-Ren
Published: January 2020

Background

To investigate the safety and efficacy of perventricular device closure of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defects (dcsVSDs).

Methods

PubMed and Scopus were searched for studies in English that focused on perventricular device closure of dcsVSDs and were published up to the end of September 2019. We used a random-effects model to obtain pooled estimates of the success and complication rates.

Results

A total of 9 publications including 459 patients with dcsVSDs were included. The median follow-up duration ranged from 2 months to 5 years, with the mean age of patients ranging from 6.1 months to 4.5 years. The pooled estimate of the overall success rate of device closure in the 9 studies was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.93, I2 = 26.5%, P = 0.208). Further meta-regression analysis indicated no significant correlation between the success rate and the following factors: publication year, sample size, study type, mean age, mean weight, mean VSD size, and ratio of device size/weight. The pooled rate of postoperative aortic regurgitation was 0.045 (95% CI: 0.018–0.071, I2 = 50.96%, P = 0.000). The pooled rate of follow-up aortic regurgitation (AR) was 0.001 (95% CI, − 0.003-0.004, I2 = 63.00%, P = 0.009.) The pooled estimated rate of severe intraoperative complications was 0.106 (0.073–0.140, I2 = 70.7%, P = 0.208). Postoperative and follow-up complications were rare. No occurrence of a complete atrioventricular block was reported up to the last follow-up visit.

Conclusions

Perventricular device closure may be an alternative to conventional surgical repair in selected patients with dcsVSDs. The success rate was stable regarding the publication year and sample size, suggesting a relatively short learning curve and the technique’s potential for application.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation to improve functional outcome and quality of life after surgery for rectal cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (FORCE trial)
Authors:   FORCE Trial Group, Kalkdijk-Dijkstra A.J. , van der Heijden J.A.G. , van Westreenen H.L. , Broens P.M.A. , Trzpis M. , Pierie J.P.E.N. , Klarenbeek B.R.
Published: January 2020

Background

After low anterior resection (LAR), up to 90% of patients develop anorectal dysfunction. Especially fecal incontinence has a major impact on the physical, psychological, social, and emotional functioning of the patient but also on the Dutch National Healthcare budget with more than €2000 spent per patient per year. No standardized treatment is available to help these patients. Common treatment nowadays is focused on symptom relief, consisting of lifestyle advices and pharmacotherapy with bulking agents or antidiarrheal medication. Another possibility is pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR), which is one of the most important treatments for fecal incontinence in general, with success rates of 50–80%. No strong evidence is available for the use of PFR after LAR. This study aims to prove a beneficial effect of PFR on fecal incontinence, quality of life, and costs in rectal cancer patients after sphincter-saving surgery compared to standard treatment.

Methods

The FORCE trial is a multicenter, two-armed, randomized clinical trial. All patients that underwent LAR are recruited from the participating hospitals and randomized for either standard treatment or a standardized PFR program. A total of 128 patients should be randomized. Optimal blinding is not possible. Stratification will be done in variable blocks (gender and additional radiotherapy). The primary endpoint is the Wexner incontinence score; secondary endpoints are health-related and fecal-incontinence-related QoL and cost-effectiveness. Baseline measurements take place before randomization. The primary endpoint is measured 3 months after the start of the intervention, with a 1-year follow-up for sustainability research purposes.

Discussion

The results of this study may substantially improve postoperative care for patients with fecal incontinence or anorectal dysfunction after LAR. This section provides insight in the decisions that were made in the organization of this trial.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Registration, NTR5469, registered on 03-09-2015.

Protocol FORCE trial V18, 19-09-2019.

Sponsor Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen.
Overexpression of bicarbonate transporters in the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 increases growth rate and glycogen accumulation
Authors: Gupta Jai Kumar , Rai Preeti , Jain Kavish Kumar , Srivastava Shireesh
Published: January 2020

Background

Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 is an attractive organism as a feedstock and for photoautotrophic production of biofuels and biochemicals due to its fast growth and ability to grow in marine/brackish medium. Previous studies suggest that the growth of this organism is limited by the HCO3− transport across the cytoplasmic membrane. Tools for genetic engineering are well established for this cyanobacterium, which makes it possible to overexpress genes of interest.

Results

In this work, we overexpressed two different native Na+-dependent carbon transporters viz., SbtA and BicA in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cells under the influence of a strong light-inducible promoter and a strong RBS sequence. The overexpression of these transporters enhanced biomass by about 50%, increased intracellular glycogen about 50%, and increased extracellular carbohydrate up to threefold. Importantly, the biomass and glycogen productivity of the transformants with air bubbling was even higher than that of WT cells with 1% CO2 bubbling. The overexpression of these transporters was associated with an increased carotenoid content without altering the chl a content.

Conclusions

Our work shows the utility of increased carbon transport in improving the growth as well as product formation in a marine cyanobacterium and will serve to increase the utility of this organism as a potential cell factory.
Migration, translation, and transformation of western urban planning models
Authors: Guerrieri Pilar Maria
Published: January 2020

People, ideas, lifestyles, cultures, architecture and urban planning models have invariably traversed the world as a consequence of military compulsions, political goals, commercial motivations, or aspirational values. Western models in particular have spread widely, first through colonization and, recently, as a consequence of globalization. It is well-known that many cities around the world have been impacted by western urban planning models but, curiously no comprehensive comparative study of these influences has so far been attempted. This essay stems from 5 years of teaching and research in the field of urban history and presents a series of examples from non-western contexts such as India, China, Africa, South America, and elsewhere to showcase the direct or indirect impact of several western urban planning models. The aim is to analyse how differently these models, such as the English garden city, Le Corbusier’s planvoisinconcept, and Haussmann’s plan for Paris have been adopted by a number of non-western cities and the degree to which they have been transformed by local contexts. Indeed, frequently, the original concept of the exported model has been completely modified. The essay also identifies those western urban models which have spread most widely. There are, indeed, a series of western models which have proved more popular than others and it is worth attempting to understand why they have proved to be so.
Correction to: Trials of reuse the Pb-containing wastes of crystal glass factories into useable new materials
Authors: Hamzawy Esmat M. A. , El-Sherbiny Samya I. , Saber Abdullah M.
Published: January 2020

After publication of the original article (Hamzawy et al. 2019), we were notified that.
Clinical risk model to predict 28-day unplanned readmission via the accident and emergency department after discharge from acute psychiatric units for patients with psychotic spectrum disorders
Authors: Hariman Keith , Cheng Koi Man , Lam Jenny , Leung Siu Kau , Lui Simon S. Y.
Published: January 2020

Background

Unplanned readmissions rates are an important indicator of the quality of care provided in a psychiatric unit. However, there is no validated risk model to predict this outcome in patients with psychotic spectrum disorders.

Aims

This paper aims to establish a clinical risk prediction model to predict 28-day unplanned readmission via the accident and emergency department after discharge from acute psychiatric units for patients with psychotic spectrum disorders.

Method

Adult patients with psychotic spectrum disorders discharged within a 5-year period from all psychiatric units in Hong Kong were included in this study. Information on the socioeconomic background, past medical and psychiatric history, current discharge episode and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) scores were used in a logistic regression to derive the risk model and the predictive variables. The sample was randomly split into two to derive (n= 10 219) and validate (n= 10 643) the model.

Results

The rate of unplanned readmission was 7.09%. The risk factors for unplanned readmission include higher number of previous admissions, comorbid substance misuse, history of violence and a score of one or more in the discharge HoNOS overactivity or aggression item. Protective factors include older age, prescribing clozapine, living with family and relatives after discharge and imposition of conditional discharge. The model had moderate discriminative power with a c-statistic of 0.705 and 0.684 on the derivation and validation data-set.

Conclusions

The risk of readmission for each patient can be identified and adjustments in the treatment for those with a high risk may be implemented to prevent this undesirable outcome.
Cumulative Incidence and Predictors of CNS Metastasis for Patients With American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th Edition Stage III Melanoma
Authors: Haydu Lauren E. , Lo Serigne N. , McQuade Jennifer L. , Amaria Rodabe N. , Wargo Jennifer , Ross Merrick I. , Cormier Janice N. , Lucci Anthony , Lee Jeffrey E. , Ferguson Sherise D. , Saw Robyn P.M. , Spillane Andrew J. , Shannon Kerwin F. , Stretch Jonathan R. , Hwu Patrick , Patel Sapna P. , Diab Adi , Wong Michael K.K. , Glitza Oliva Isabella C. , Tawbi Hussein , Carlino Matteo S. , Menzies Alexander M. , Long Georgina V. , Lazar Alexander J. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Scolyer Richard A. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Thompson John F. , Davies Michael A.
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE

Improved understanding of the incidence, risk factors, and timing of CNS metastasis is needed to inform surveillance strategies for patients with melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data were extracted from the databases of 2 major melanoma centers in the United States and Australia for 1,918 patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition stage III melanoma, diagnosed from 1998-2014, who had (negative) baseline CNS imaging within 4 months of diagnosis. The cumulative incidence of CNS metastasis was calculated in the presence of the competing risk of death, from stage III presentation and at benchmark time points 1, 2, and 5 years postdiagnosis.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 70.2 months, distant recurrence occurred in 711 patients (37.1%). The first site of distant metastasis was CNS only for 3.9% of patients, CNS and extracranial (EC) for 1.8%, and EC only for 31.4%. Overall, 16.7% of patients were diagnosed with CNS metastasis during follow-up. The cumulative incidence of CNS metastasis was 3.6% (95% CI, 2.9% to 4.6%) at 1 year, 9.6% (95% CI, 8.3% to 11.0%) at 2 years, and 15.8% (95% CI, 14.1% to 17.6%) at 5 years. The risk of CNS metastasis was significantly influenced by patient sex, age, AJCC stage, primary tumor site, and primary tumor mitotic rate in multivariable and conditional analyses. High primary tumor mitotic rate was significantly associated with increased risk of CNS metastasis at diagnosis and all subsequent time points examined.

CONCLUSION

Similar rates of CNS metastasis were observed in 2 large, geographically distinct cohorts of patients with stage III melanoma. The results highlight the importance of primary tumor mitotic rate. Furthermore, they provide a framework for developing evidence-based surveillance strategies and evaluating the impact of contemporary adjuvant therapies on the risk of CNS metastasis development.
Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO and OH (CCO) Joint Guideline Update
Authors: Hanna Nasser H. , Schneider Bryan J. , Temin Sarah , Baker Sherman , Brahmer Julie , Ellis Peter M. , Gaspar Laurie E. , Haddad Rami Y. , Hesketh Paul J. , Jain Dharamvir , Jaiyesimi Ishmael , Johnson David H. , Leighl Natasha B. , Phillips Tanyanika , Riely Gregory J. , Robinson Andrew G. , Rosell Rafael , Schiller Joan H. , Singh Navneet , Spigel David R. , Stabler Janis O. , Tashbar Joan , Masters Gregory
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is to provide evidence-based recommendations updating the 2017 ASCO guideline on systemic therapy for patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver alterations. A guideline update for patients with stage IV NSCLC with driver alterations will be published separately.

METHODS

The American Society of Clinical Oncology and Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) NSCLC Expert Panel made updated recommendations based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from December 2015 to 2019.

RESULTS

This guideline update reflects changes in evidence since the previous guideline update. Five randomized controlled trials provide the evidence base. Additional literature suggested by the Expert Panel is discussed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations apply to patients without driver alterations in epidermal growth factor receptor or ALK. For patients with high programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (tumor proportion score [TPS] ≥ 50%) and non–squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC), the Expert Panel recommends single-agent pembrolizumab. Additional treatment options include pembrolizumab/carboplatin/pemetrexed, atezolizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel/bevacizumab, or atezolizumab/carboplatin/nab-paclitaxel. For most patients with non-SCC and either negative (0%) or low positive (1% to 49%) PD-L1, the Expert Panel recommends pembrolizumab/carboplatin/pemetrexed. Additional options are atezolizumab/carboplatin/nab-paclitaxel, atezolizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel/bevacizumab, platinum-based two-drug combination chemotherapy, or non–platinum-based two-drug therapy. Single-agent pembrolizumab is an option for low positive PD-L1. For patients with high PD-L1 expression (TPS ≥ 50%) and SCC, the Expert Panel recommends single-agent pembrolizumab. An additional treatment option is pembrolizumab/carboplatin/(paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel). For most patients with SCC and either negative (0%) or low positive PD-L1 (TPS 1% to 49%), the Expert Panel recommends pembrolizumab/carboplatin/(paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel) or chemotherapy. Single-agent pembrolizumab is an option in select cases of low positive PD-L1. Recommendations are conditional on the basis of histology, PD-L1 status, and/or the presence or absence of contraindications. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/lung-cancer-guidelines .
Silica-Based Nonwoven Fiber Fabricated by Electrospinning to Promote Fibroblast Functions
Authors: Ishikawa Shohei , Iijima Kazutoshi , Sasaki Kohei , Kawabe Masaaki , Osawa Shigehito , Otsuka Hidenori
Published: January 2020

Cellular engraftment onto an engineered scaffold is of significant importance for successful implantation. Herein, we propose the use of three-dimensional (3D) silica nonwoven fabrics (SNFs, Cellbed®) synthesized using the electrospinning method, which creates an excellent environment for greater cultured cell growth and subsequent tissue formation due to preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic inherent structure of the scaffold. Regarding the fibroblast culture on the scaffold, cellular function, in terms of collagen type I synthesis, was more enhanced than that of the conventional plane culture due to the efficient permeability and satisfactory physiological morphologies of 3D SNFs.
Recent advances in modulating the microbiome
Authors: Quigley Eamonn M.M , Gajula Prianka
Published: January 2020

We are in the midst of “the microbiome revolution”—not a day goes by without some new revelation on the potential role of the gut microbiome in some disease or disorder. From an ever-increasing recognition of the many roles of the gut microbiome in health and disease comes the expectation that its modulation could treat or prevent these very same diseases. A variety of interventions could, at least in theory, be employed to alter the composition or functional capacity of the microbiome, ranging from diet to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). For some, such as antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics, an extensive, albeit far from consistent, literature already exists; for others, such as other dietary supplements and FMT, high-quality clinical studies are still relatively few in number. Not surprisingly, researchers have turned to the microbiome itself as a source for new entities that could be used therapeutically to manipulate the microbiome; for example, some probiotic strains currently in use were sourced from the gastrointestinal tract of healthy humans. From all of the extant studies of interventions targeted at the gut microbiome, a number of important themes have emerged. First, with relatively few exceptions, we are still a long way from a precise definition of the role of the gut microbiome in many of the diseases where a disturbed microbiome has been described—association does not prove causation. Second, while animal models can provide fascinating insights into microbiota–host interactions, they rarely recapitulate the complete human phenotype. Third, studies of several interventions have been difficult to interpret because of variations in study population, test product, and outcome measures, not to mention limitations in study design. The goal of microbiome modulation is a laudable one, but we need to define our targets, refine our interventions, and agree on outcomes.
Recent advances in understanding regulation of the Arabidopsis circadian clock by local cellular environment
Authors: Hearn Timothy J. , Webb Alex A.R.
Published: January 2020

Circadian clocks have evolved to synchronise an organism’s physiology with the environmental rhythms driven by the Earth’s rotation on its axis. Over the past two decades, many of the genetic components of the Arabidopsis thaliana circadian oscillator have been identified. The interactions between these components have been formulized into mathematical models that describe the transcriptional translational feedback loops of the oscillator. More recently, focus has turned to the regulation and functions of the circadian clock. These studies have shown that the system dynamically responds to environmental signals and small molecules. We describe advances that have been made in discovering the cellular mechanisms by which signals regulate the circadian oscillator of Arabidopsis in the context of tissue-specific regulation.
Case Report: Isolated hepatosplenic sarcoidosis treatment improving glycaemic control in a type 1 diabetic patient
Authors: Pina Sérgio , Salero Teresa , Figueiras Mariana , Osório Rui , Amálio Sofia
Published: January 2020

Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas in various organs. The aetiology is still unknown. Although the liver is the third most commonly affected organ, hepatosplenic sarcoidosis without lung involvement is very uncommon. There is a high frequency of certain autoimmune illnesses observed in sarcoidosis, but association with type 1 diabetes is infrequent.

We present the case of a 31-year-old woman, with type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnosed 22 years before with a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) above 14%, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy, hypercholesterolemia and beta thalassemia. She was medicated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist and insulin.   The patient presented with a 4-month history of tiredness, abdominal pain, weight lost and hepatosplenomegaly. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hepatomegaly with regular contours, diffuse heterogeneous texture, containing numerous nodules with slight enlargement of the spleen. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) was 67 IU/L and a sedimentation rate of 120 mm/h. Computer tomography (CT) scan confirmed hepatosplenomegaly and suggested infiltration in both organs. Liver biopsies were compatible with sarcoidosis. After ruling other organ involvement, a diagnosis of isolated hepatosplenic sarcoidosis was provided and prednisolone (40mg/day) was started. After a few months the patient developed a corticoid-induced myopathy confirmed with electromyography. Prednisolone was reduced to 20mg/day and azathioprine (50mg/day) treatment initiated.

After a 7-month treatment, chest-abdomen-pelvis CT scan showed a marked reduction of the nodularity and hepatosplenomegaly and after 1 year the patient was completely asymptomatic (HbA1c, 7.5%; ACE, 24IU/L). At 18-month follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence (HbA1c, 7%), with optimum glycaemic control with total daily insulin dose lowered to half.

This is an uncommon case in which the treatment of hepatosplenic sarcoidosis with regression of sarcoid tissue can help explain the improvement of glycaemic control in this patient.
Media Communication and Terrorism: Areas of Intersection
Authors: Mel'nikova A.
Published: January 2020

Globalization has increased the breadth of coverage of the audience of modern mass media, which is used by terrorists, increasing the scale and demonstrative cruelty of terrorist actions, conducting them with the expectation of maximum publicity. Analysis of the specifics of modern media reveals a shift in emphasis from the beautiful to the shocking, ugly, frightening. At the same time, the situation when the mass media make the culture of murder and violence an integral part of the mass consciousness, leads to the fact that information about terrorist acts becomes for the media not so much frightening or terrifying as a desirable object that raises the rating. In addition to the use of media resources to intimidate, intimidate the population, the article also examines the use of the Internet to create a new image of a terrorist as a fighter for faith and freedom, as well as the use of social networks to recruit new members of terrorist organizations. The last two areas are related to a new phenomenon - the fusion of terrorism with the Internet, this phenomenon is called “electronic Jihad”or “ cyberjihad”.
Supplying to Mom and Pop: Traditional Retail Channel Selection in Megacities
Authors: Ge Jiwen , Honhon Dorothee , Fransoo Jan C. , Zhao Lei
Published: January 2020

Problem definition: Nanostores are traditional, small and independent retailers that are present in large numbers in the megacities of the developing world. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers can choose to deliver to nanostores either directly—visiting thousands of stores per day—or via wholesalers—saving on distribution cost but forfeiting the direct access to the store owners to develop demand. We study a manufacturer’s channel strategy within a finite time horizon. Academic/practical relevance: The channel strategy in emerging markets has both marketing and operational elements, which lead to a newly formulated problem with novel characteristics. High costs are involved in the nanostore distribution, and the difference in wholesale price, logistics cost, product availability, and market growth leads to a multidimensional problem that is not trivial to analyze. Methodology: We develop an analytical model to derive the optimal channel policy. We conduct a numerical study with parameters tuned by field data. We develop managerial insights based on our formal results and our numerical analysis. Results: The optimal channel policy structure depends mainly on two channel metrics: the gross profitability, which is the gross margin at a particular moment in time; and the growth-adjusted profitability, which includes the growth potential of a particular channel strategy to develop the market and realize future profits. With demand growth over time, we show that, in the optimal policy, there is at most one switch between the wholesale and direct-channel strategies within the time horizon. Managerial implications: Depending on the two metrics, it may be optimal to first expand the market by using the direct channel and then switch to the wholesale channel to exploit the expanded market. In other cases, it may be optimal to first expand the market slowly by using the wholesale channel and then switch to the direct channel to benefit from high demand growth. The optimal channel strategy is also dependent on the time horizon, with a longer time horizon leading to relatively longer use of the direct channel.
Stroke warning syndromes
Authors: Sen Arup , Birns Jonathan , Bhalla Ajay
Published: January 2020

It is important for physicians to be aware of stroke warning syndromes because, although rare, there is a high associated risk of subsequent ischaemic infarction. Stroke warning syndromes present as stereotypical, recurrent transient episodes of focal neurological deficit, in the absence of cortical signs, occurring within a short period of time. They are broadly divided into two main subtypes, based on vascular territory: capsular warning syndrome and pontine warning syndrome. The exact underlying pathophysiology related to stroke warning syndromes is incompletely established, but proposed pathophysiological hypotheses for cerebral hypoperfusion include micro-atherosclerosis (cerebral small vessel disease) and haemodynamic instability (e.g. hypotension). Atherosclerotic disease involving small perforating arteries in the anterior circulation (e.g. lenticulostriatal arteries) gives rise to capsular warning syndrome and subsequent risk of capsular infarcts. Conversely, involvement of the posterior circulation pontine perforator arteries gives rise to pontine warning syndrome, which can result in paramedian pontine infarcts. Although the evidence is limited, recommended treatment modalities include permissive hypertension, intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, dual antiplatelet therapy and statins.
How to optimise anticoagulation for patients who are obese
Authors: Raja Haseem , Thachil Jecko
Published: January 2020

Management of anticoagulation has become a hot topic in the last decade. Health-care professionals are encountering increasing number of patients diagnosed with a thromboembolic episode, probably as a result of heightened awareness. In addition, the recognition that hospital-acquired thrombosis causes substantial mortality has led to an emphasis on appropriate thromboprophylaxis in all patients deemed at risk of thrombosis. However, the use of anticoagulants for both treatment and prophylaxis of thrombosis can pose a challenge in individuals who are obese. There are no detailed studies in this area and as such the dosing and monitoring of anticoagulants in these individuals can be problematic.
Can communication in farm animal veterinary practice be improved through a focus on the non-verbal element? A clinical forum
Authors: MacGillivray Fiona , Wapenaar Wendela , Giles George , Atkinson Owen , Whittick Sarah , Mayer Jonathan
Published: January 2020

As farm veterinary surgeons, we are in the position of needing to communicate our information, ideas and feelings about animal health and welfare with our farmer clients. Studies looking at communication in the healthcare and companion animal veterinary profession show that effective communication skills help achieve a positive client/patient interaction and outcome, including satisfaction levels. Communication has three elements: verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal. Non-verbal communication conveys more effectively than the other two elements how we feel about and our attitudes towards a situation and person. Having a better understanding of non-verbal communication, as part of an overall approach to improving communication skills, could therefore help veterinary surgeons have better interactions with their farmers, leading to a more satisfying relationship for both parties. Research ongoing at the University of Nottingham and Bristol is aiming to establish a methodology to measure non-verbal parameters in the farmer-vet interaction using GoPro cameras.
Salmonella spp. in pigs: an update on diagnostics and control
Authors: Gale Christina , Velazquez Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Salmonella spp. is an important topic for both human and animal health, particularly Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium including its monophasic strains. Salmonella is an increasing problem on pig farms and the bacteria are transmitted through breeding pyramids, and can spread rapidly due to the high number of subclinical cases. Therefore, diagnosis on farm is extremely important, ensuring sampling from all areas of the unit to gain the overall infection picture. Modern diagnostic techniques allow differentiation between field and vaccine strains which is extremely important when implementing a vaccination programme on the farm. Vaccination accompanied by hygiene and biosecurity measures make up the three pillars of Salmonella spp. control, each of which should be given equal attention. Vaccination has been shown to be very effective in reducing environmental pressure and therefore prevalence and clinical signs due to S. enterica ser. Typhimurium. Vaccination forms part of successful Salmonella spp. control, although it is important to remember that Salmonella spp. control requires a long-term approach using a combination of interventions and avoiding the long-term use of antimicrobial treatment.
How to navigate through the regulations and medications for backyard and pet poultry
Authors: Roberts Victoria
Published: January 2020

Poultry is classed as a food-producing species even when kept as pets. The regulations which apply to foodproducing species are described, plus appropriately licensed medications for egg-laying chickens and for meat birds. Vaccinations for chickens are discussed and advice given on prevention of diseases.
Equine liver disease in the field. Part 1: approach
Authors: Tallon Rose , McGovern Kate
Published: January 2020

Liver disease in adult horses is commonly identified during investigation of non-specific clinical signs such as general malaise, lethargy or weight loss. In some cases, disease may be advanced and irreversible by the time a diagnosis is reached. Serum biochemistry and tests of liver function form an important part of diagnosing liver disease but provide limited information regarding aetiology, severity and prognosis. Liver biopsy is recommended in the majority of cases to confirm the presence of disease, to guide therapeutics and to provide information regarding prognosis.
Regenerative medicine in equine orthopaedics: what and when?
Authors: Smith Roger K W
Published: January 2020

The development of regenerative medicine has opened up many new therapeutic avenues in veterinary medicine. The focus of regenerative medicine in the horse lies primarily in the musculoskeletal system, where the consequences of injury make tendons, ligaments and joints particularly desirable targets for such interventions. This article focuses on what has been learned from the use of regenerative medicine in naturally-occurring tendon, ligament and joint disease in the horse.
Impacts of PM2.5 Chemical Composition on Aerosol Light Extinction During the Xi’an International Horticultural Expo of China
Authors: Wang Qiyuan , Zhou Yaqing , Liu Suixin , Zhang Ting , Tian Jie
Published: January 2020

In this study, we investigated the impacts of PM2.5 chemical composition on aerosol light extinction during the Xi’an International Horticultural Expo of China. The average mass concentration of PM2.5 was 118.1 ± 57.3 µg m-3 during the entire campaign with 23.1% and 40.7% contributed by carbonaceous aerosols and water-soluble inorganic ions. The average light extinction was 957.7 ± 643.5 Mm-1, of which >90% was contributed by the particle light scattering. The light extinction was 1.6 times larger during polluted period than the unpolluted period. The diurnal pattern of the measured light scattering was associated with the anthropogenic activities of daily life and the daily variation of boundary-layer height. Based on the IMPROVE equation, (NH4)2SO4 was the largest contributor to light extinction (35.3%) during the Xi’an International Horticultural Expo, followed by organic matter (33.7%), NH4NO3 (20.5%), EC (6.3%), and fine soil (4.0%). The light extinction produced by (NH4)2SO4, organic matter, and NH4NO3 were 1.8 – 2.5 times larger during polluted period than the unpolluted period. The results indicated that (NH4)2SO4 was the most important chemical composition in PM2.5 affecting the aerosol light extinction during the Xi’an International Horticultural Expo.
Helenismo e cristianismo primitivo: encontros e desencontros
Authors: Vasconcelos Paulo Sérgio Dantas
Published: January 2020

A proposta do nosso trabalho é analisar a relação entre helenismo e cristianismo à luz das principais doutrinas, a saber, cosmologia, teodiceia (existência e propriedades de Deus) e antropologia as quais foram desenvolvidas por grandes espíritos do pensamento grego e cristão. Cumpre, preliminarmente, estabelecer alguns critérios para a análise de um tema que, por sua natureza propõe, antes de tudo, comparar dois universos de ideias fundamentalmente distintos. O cristianismo não é grego, e a síntese com a cultura helenista não se deu senão sob a égide de conflitos e aporias que marcaram definitivamente o espírito desse encontro que,ocorrido nos primeiros séculos de nossa era, ainda hoje motiva questionamentos.
Nano-antenna synthesis for an arbitrary far-field radiation pattern and polarization based on vector spherical wave functions expansion
Authors: Sina Vaezi Seyed , Nikmehr Saeid , Pourziad Ali
Published: January 2020

A systematic method is proposed to synthesize a nano-antenna based on theoretical principles. This nano-antenna, which is composed of a set of small dielectric spheres, is designed to have a desired far-field radiation pattern and polarization. The basis of the proposed method is expanding all electromagnetic waves into the series of vector spherical wave functions. First, the forward problem of calculation of scattering from single and multiple spheres is studied. For cases with more than one sphere, a multiple scattering method is implemented to calculate total scattering. Near-field and far-field waves, absorption, extinction, and differential scattering cross sections are calculated for a single sphere with different sizes and permittivities. Moreover, far-field waves for linear arrays of small spheres are analyzed. All results are validated using an electromagnetic simulation software. Next, the problem of inverse scattering begins by considering a three-dimensional arbitrary pattern and polarization. The aim is to find a set of spheres that generates this pattern. Particle swarm optimization and non-iterative spectral-domain forward scattering methods are combined as a novel method to find the optimal positions of the spheres.
Plasmonic superlattices constructed by coupling electronic systems with metal nanoparticle arrays
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhang Meng-Xi , Yan Jie-Yun
Published: January 2020

We investigate the produced superlattice in electronic systems when coupled with metal nanoparticle arrays. The periodic potential is formed by the induced plasmonic excitations in the metal nanoparticles, with the period changing from several to hundreds of nanometers for either one- or two-dimensional cases. The theoretical method to calculate the periodic potential is presented analytically. Landau–Zener tunneling is studied in the one-dimensional case. The results show that the energy band structures of the superlattice could be designed or modified in a variety of ways, such as changing the structure parameters, combining different kinds of metal nanoparticles, and tuning the strength of the excitation field. These advantages make it a prospective platform to simulate condensed matter physics.
130 W, 180 fs ultrafast Yb-doped fiber frequency comb based on chirped-pulse fiber amplification
Authors: Luo Daping , Liu Yang , Gu Chenglin , Zhu Zhiwei , Deng Zejiang , Zhou Lian , Di Yuanfeng , Xie Gehui , Li Wenxue
Published: January 2020

We report on a high-power fiber optical frequency comb consisting of a 250-MHz mode-locked fiber laser and a three-stage cascaded fiber chirped-pulse amplification system. After power scaling, the group velocity dispersion and third-order dispersion, generated in fiber stretcher and amplifiers, are compensated by a grism compressor, outputting a 132-W, 180-fs pulse train. The repetition rate and carrier-envelope offset frequency are locked to a Rb clock with the standard deviations of 1.07 and 0.87 mHz, corresponding to the fractional instability of 8.3×10−13 and 1.35×10−19, respectively. Moreover, we investigate the noise characteristics at high average powers, presenting a low-noise property of this high-power fiber OFC.