bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A home automation architecture based on LoRa technology and Message Queue Telemetry Transfer protocol
Authors: Gambi Ennio , Montanini Laura , Pigini Danny , Ciattaglia Gianluca , Spinsante Susanna
Published: October 2018

In recent years, Internet of Things technologies gained momentum in various application areas, including the Smart Home field. In this view, the smart objects available in the house can communicate with each other and with the outside world by adopting solutions already proposed for Internet of Things. In fact, among the challenges to face during the design and implementation of an Internet of Things–based Smart Home infrastructure, battery usage represents a key point for the realization of an efficient solution. In this context, the communication technology chosen plays a fundamental role, since transmission is generally the most energy demanding task, and Internet of Things communication technologies are designed to reduce as much as possible the power consumption. This article describes an Internet of Things–oriented architecture for the Smart Home, based on the long-range and low-power technology LoRa. Moreover, in order to enable the devices to communicate with each other and the outside world, the Message Queue Telemetry Transfer protocol is used as a domotic middleware. We show that LoRa, designed by having in mind the typical requirements of Internet of Things (i.e. low power consumption, sporadic transmission, and robustness to interference), is well-suited to also meet the need of more established home automation systems, specifically the low latency in message delivery. Interoperability among different devices may also be obtained through the Message Queue Telemetry Transfer midlleware.
Reading sentences of words with rotated letters: An eye movement study
Authors: Blythe Hazel I , Juhasz Barbara J , Tbaily Lee W , Rayner Keith , Liversedge Simon P
Published: October 2018

Participants’ eye movements were measured as they read sentences in which individual letters within words were rotated. Both the consistency of direction and the magnitude of rotation were manipulated (letters rotated all in the same direction, or alternately clockwise and anti-clockwise, by 30° or 60°). Each sentence included a target word that was manipulated for frequency of occurrence. Our objectives were threefold: To quantify how change in the visual presentation of individual letters disrupted word identification, and whether disruption was consistent with systematic change in visual presentation; to determine whether inconsistent letter transformation caused more disruption than consistent letter transformation; and to determine whether such effects were comparable for words that were high and low frequency to explore the extent to which they were visually or linguistically mediated. We found that disruption to reading was greater as the magnitude of letter rotation increased, although even small rotations affected processing. The data also showed that alternating letter rotations were significantly more disruptive than consistent rotations; this result is consistent with models of lexical identification in which encoding occurs over units of more than one adjacent letter. These rotation manipulations also showed significant interactions with word frequency on the target word: Gaze durations and total fixation duration times increased disproportionately for low-frequency words when they were presented at more extreme rotations. These data provide a first step towards quantifying the relative contribution of the spatial relationships between individual letters to word recognition and eye movement control in reading.
Why the Details of Glucose Meter Evaluations Matters
Authors: Krouwer Jan S.
Published: October 2018

In an article in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Macleod and coworkers describe an evaluation of LifeScan glucose meters that focus on the effects of sample types and comparison methods. They make a valid point that these factors influence the accuracy observed in evaluations and recommend the comparison method be the one recommended by the manufacturer for the sample type in the intended use statement. Yet, the recommended comparison method is not a reference method. The accuracy hierarchy of definitive, reference, and field methods originally described by Tietz should remind one that virtually all glucose meter evaluations use commercially available field methods as the comparison method. Finally, one should not neglect the FDA adverse event database as a way to assess glucose meter performance.
Use of Local Flaps for Soft-Tissue Closure in Diabetic Foot Wounds: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramanujam Crystal L. , Zgonis Thomas
Published: October 2018

“A systematic review was undertaken to assess the outcomes of local random flaps in diabetic foot wound closure. The review was conducted using the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Ovid, and PubMed. Search terms were local random flap, diabetes, foot, wound, ulceration, neuropathy, tissue transfer, V-Y, bilobed, monolobed, rotational, advancement, transpositional, rhomboid, and Limberg. English language studies, studies published from 1997 to 2017, patients with diabetes mellitus treated for foot wounds, use of local random flaps, follow-up period of 6 months or more postoperatively, documentation of healing rates, complications, and need for revisional surgery were included. Isolated literature reviews and descriptions of only surgical technique and/or cadaveric studies were excluded. The initial search identified 53 eligible studies with 28 being excluded. The remaining 25 studies used for data extraction had a total of 512 patients in which 199 of these underwent 204 local random flap procedures. Average follow-up for the flaps was approximately >2 years, and successful wound closure at last follow-up was demonstrated in 75.5% of the studied population. Studies were found to be of generally low quality, with the majority composed of retrospective case series. Based on current available evidence found in this systematic review, local random flaps demonstrated a relatively high success rate when utilized for the definitive closure of diabetic foot wounds. However, because of a lack of high-quality evidence and substantial heterogeneity among the studies, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Systematic review
Medication nonadherence in bipolar disorder: a narrative review
Authors: Jawad Ibrahim , Watson Stuart , Haddad Peter M. , Talbot Peter S. , McAllister-Williams R. Hamish
Published: October 2018

A number of effective maintenance medication options exist for bipolar disorder (BD) and these are regarded as the foundation of long-term treatment in BD. However, nonadherence to medication is common in BD. For example, a large data base study in the United States of America (USA) showed that approximately half of patients with BD were nonadherent with lithium and maintenance medications over a 12 month period. Such nonadherence carries a high risk of relapse due to the recurrent nature of the illness and the fact that abrupt cessation of treatment, particularly lithium, may cause rebound depression and mania. Indeed, medication nonadherence in BD is associated with significantly increased risks of relapse, recurrence, hospitalization and suicide attempts and a decreased likelihood of achieving remission and recovery, as well as with higher overall treatment costs. Factors associated with nonadherence include adverse effects of medication, complex medication regimens, negative patient attitudes to medication, poor insight, rapid-cycling BD, comorbid substance misuse and a poor therapeutic alliance. Clinicians should routinely enquire about nonadherence in a nonjudgmental fashion. Potential steps to improve adherence include simple pragmatic strategies related to prescribing including shared decision-making, psychoeducation with a clear focus on adherence, reminders (traditional and digital), potentially using a depot rather than an oral antipsychotic, managing comorbid substance misuse and improving therapeutic alliance. Financial incentives have been shown to improve adherence to depot antipsychotics, but this approach raises ethical issues and its long-term effectiveness is unknown. Often a combination of approaches will be required. The strategies that are adopted need to be patient specific, reflecting that nonadherence has no single cause, and chosen by the patient and clinician working together.
Self-presentation in digital media among adolescent patients with obesity: Striving for integrity, risk-reduction, and social recognition
Authors: Holmberg Christopher , Berg Christina , Hillman Thomas , Lissner Lauren , Chaplin John Eric
Published: October 2018

Background

Emerging research suggests that social media has the potential in clinical settings to enhance interaction with and between pediatric patients with various conditions. However, appearance norms and weight stigmatization can make adolescents with obesity uncomfortable about using these visual-based media. It is therefore important to explore these adolescents’ perspectives to identify the implications and concerns regarding the use of social media in clinical settings.

Objective

To explore the experiences of adolescents in treatment for obesity in terms of how they present themselves on social media, their rationale behind their presentations, and their feelings related to self-presentation.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 20 adolescents enrolled in a pediatric outpatient obesity clinic, then transcribed and categorized using qualitative content analysis and Goffman’s dramaturgical model. Participants used a screen-recorded laptop to demonstrate their online self-presentation practices. Findings: Adolescent girls and boys undergoing treatment for obesity used visual-based social media, but girls in particular experienced weight stigma online and undertook self-presentation strategies to conceal weight-related content such as avoiding showing close-up photos of their bodies and not posting images of unhealthy “fattening” foods. Participants perceived the potential use of social media in clinical settings as being too risky and private.

Conclusions

Given the complexity of general visual-based social media use by adolescents, and not wanting their patient status to be visible to peers, healthcare should primarily focus on working with more restricted instant messaging when engaging with adolescents with obesity.
Hubbard Bubble, Dianetics Trouble: An Evaluation of the Representations of Dianetics and Scientology in Science Fiction Magazines From 1949 to 1999
Authors: Menadue Christopher Benjamin
Published: October 2018

Dianetics was unveiled to the public in the May 1950 edition of Astounding Science Fiction. Dianetics was the brainchild of science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, and became the foundation for scientology toward the end of the decade. Dianetics was marketed as a “scientific” method for mental improvement—a robust alternative to conventional psychiatry—and was strongly debated in science fiction (sf) magazines. This article follows the trajectory of this cultural phenomenon from 1949 to 1999 as it appeared in this form of popular culture. A proximal reading method was applied to analyze 4,431 magazines, and identified 389 references to dianetics and scientology. References were found in advertising, reader letters, stories, feature articles, and editorials. Significant fluctuations in the prominence and perception of dianetics became clearly visible in the source material across a broad spectrum of content. Negative criticism was present from the outset, and based on logical and scientific arguments. This was countered by obfuscation, or attacks on the authors of these critiques. The followers and promoters of dianetics did not provide scientifically rigorous proof of their claims, and by the mid-1980s, dianetics and scientology were no longer serious topics in the magazines but had been added to other fads and fallacies of sf history. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of a digital humanities proximal reading method to underpin objective classification and analysis of this culturally significant phenomenon.
Determining the Key Capacities of Effective Leaders in Malaysian Public and Private Focused Universities
Authors: Ghasemy Majid , Hussin Sufean Bin , Abdul Razak Ahmad Zabidi Bin , Maah Mohd Jamil Bin , Ghavifekr Simin
Published: October 2018

The study was undertaken to identify the essential leadership capabilities and managerial competencies as the key leadership performance drivers in Malaysian focused universities. To collect data, the previously developed scales of capabilities, competencies, and leadership performance in the context of Malaysian Higher Education (HE) were distributed among the leaders in seven public focused and 12 private focused universities. In total, 172 completed surveys were collected among which 94 had been filled out by the leaders in Malaysian public focused and 78 had been completed by leaders in private focused universities. The data were screened and SmartPLS 3 was employed to analyze the data. Also, Finite Mixture Partial Least Squares (FIMIX-PLS) segmentation and Importance–Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) were run to extend the results. The outcome of FIMIX-PLS didn’t reveal unobserved heterogeneity within the data and, through IPMA, change-oriented capability was identified as the main improvement area to be addressed by management activities. Moreover, the implications of the findings were discussed and future directions were recommended.
Parental Involvement: A Grounded Theory of the Role of Parents in Adolescent Help Seeking for Mental Health Problems
Authors: Hassett Alexander , Green Charis , Zundel Toby
Published: October 2018

There is a high prevalence of mental health problems within adolescent populations, but they are unlikely to seek help. Adults, including parents, are important within this help-seeking process. The study, therefore, is aimed to develop a theory of the influence of parents upon adolescent help seeking. Eighteen semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescents, their parents, and clinicians working within child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). A grounded theory analysis allowed for the in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences. A model was developed identifying help seeking as a family journey. Parents were highly influential, and parents who were able to be more available to their adolescents tended to be more involved in the help-seeking process. Other adults were utilized within the help-seeking process. Once adolescents were engaged with the help-seeking process, they were often able to then seek further help independently. The findings suggest that consideration should be given to making services accessible to adolescents. CAMH services should explore ways with adolescents to give control over parental involvement, and ways with parents to develop availability. Future research should consider the experiences of older and younger adolescents separately, and the transition into adult services.
Return to Play After Hook of Hamate Excision in Baseball Players
Authors: Burleson Andrew , Shin Steven
Published: October 2018

Background:

Fractures of the hook of hamate in baseball players are significant injuries that can lead to pain and missed time from competition. The diagnosis is typically delayed because of the vagueness of symptoms and normal radiographic findings. Excision of the nonunited fragment has been supported as the primary treatment, but there are currently limited information and data on a timetable for return to competition after surgery.

Purpose:

To report on a large cohort of competitive baseball players with hook of hamate fractures treated with excision of the fragment and to assess the timetable for return to full athletic competition.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Competitive baseball players treated between 2012 and 2017 with hook of hamate excision for acute fractures or chronic fracture nonunions were retrospectively identified. All patients were treated by the same surgeon, and the time to return to full athletic competition was assessed. Return to play was defined as reaching the athlete’s preinjury level and being able to perform full sport activities.

Results:

A total of 41 baseball players were identified, all of whom were documented to have a chronic presentation of a nonunion or partial union. The population consisted completely of male athletes, with a median age of 21 years (range, 18-34 years). All patients were competitive athletes, with 12 professional baseball players, 17 collegiate baseball players, and 12 high school baseball players. All patients were treated with hook of hamate excision, with 7 patients undergoing concomitant procedures as indicated. The median time to return to play was 5 weeks (range, 3-7 weeks). The time to return to play was similar between professional, collegiate, and high school athletes. All athletes returned to their preinjury level of activity by 7 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusion:

This study confirms that excision of the fractured hook provides predictable, early return to play, with a limited complication rate.
The impact of phlebotomy and hydroxyurea on survival and risk of thrombosis among older patients with polycythemia vera
Authors: Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Zhu Mengxin , Zeidan Amer M. , Wang Rong , Wang Xiaoyi , Davidoff Amy J. , Huntington Scott F. , Giri Smith , Gore Steven D. , Ma Xiaomei
Published: October 2018

Current guidelines recommend therapeutic phlebotomy for all polycythemia vera (PV) patients and additional cytoreductive therapy (eg, hydroxyurea [HU]) for high-risk PV patients. Little is known about the impact of these therapies in the real-world setting. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of older adults diagnosed with PV from 2007 to 2013 using the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the effect of phlebotomy and HU on overall survival (OS) and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Of 820 PV patients (median age = 77 years), 16.3% received neither phlebotomy nor HU, 23.0% were managed with phlebotomy only, 19.6% with HU only, and 41.1% with both treatments. After a median follow-up of 2.83 years, 37.2% (n = 305) of the patients died. Phlebotomy (yes/no; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-0.81; P < .01), increasing phlebotomy intensity (HR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65-0.79; P < .01), and a higher proportion of days covered (PDC) by HU were all significantly associated with lower mortality. When thrombosis was the outcome of interest, phlebotomy (yes/no; HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.42-0.66; P < .01) and increasing phlebotomy intensity (HR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29-0.74; P < .01) were significantly associated with a lower risk of thrombotic events, so was a higher HU PDC. In this population-based study of older adults with PV reflecting contemporary clinical practice, phlebotomy and HU were associated with improved OS and decreased risk of thrombosis. However, both treatment modalities were underused in this cohort of older PV patients.
Efficacy and safety of artemisinin-based combination therapy, and molecular markers for artemisinin and piperaquine resistance in Mainland Tanzania
Authors: Kakolwa Mwaka A. , Mahende Muhidin K. , Ishengoma Deus S. , Mandara Celine I. , Ngasala Billy , Kamugisha Erasmus , Kataraihya Johannes B. , Mandike Renata , Mkude Sigsbert , Chacky Frank , Njau Ritha , Premji Zul , Lemnge Martha M. , Warsame Marian , Menard Didier , Kabanywanyi Abdunoor M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line anti-malarial treatment of uncomplicated malaria in most malaria endemic countries, including Tanzania. Unfortunately, there have been reports of artemisinin resistance and ACT failure from South East Asia highlighting the need to monitor therapeutic efficacy of ACT in these countries as recommended by World Health Organization.

Methods

Open-label single arm studies in mainland Tanzania were conducted in nine sentinel sites in 2011, 2012 and 2015 to assess the efficacy and safety of artemether/lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate/amodiaquine (ASAQ) using 28 days follow-up and dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine (DHAPQ) using 42 days follow-up. Mutations in the propeller domain of the Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 (k13) gene and amplification of the P. falciparum plasmepsin 2 (pm2) gene, associated with artemisinin and piperaquine (PQ) resistance, were also investigated.

Results

Of the 428 patients enrolled, 328 patients provided study endpoint. For AL, the PCR corrected per-protocol analysis showed adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) of 90.3% (n = 28; 95% CI 74.2–98.0) in Kyela 2012, 95.7% (n = 22; 95% CI 78.1–99.0) in Chamwino, 100% in Muheza (n = 29; 95% CI 88.1–100), 100% in Nagaga (n = 39; 95% CI 91.0–100) and Kyela 2015 (n = 60; 95% CI 94.0–100). For ASAQ, PCR corrected ACPR of 98% (n = 49; 95% CI 89.4–99.9) and 100% (n = 25; 95% CI 86.3–100) were observed in 2011 in Ujiji and Kibaha, respectively. For DHAPQ, the ACPR was 100% (n = 71; 95% CI 94.9–100). Of the 235 samples with genetic interpretable results, only 7 (3%) had non-synonymous k13 mutations. None of these are candidate or validated markers of artemisinin resistance and all patients carrying these alleles cleared the parasites on day 3. Of the DHAPQ group, 10% (3/29) of the samples with interpretable results had pm2 multiple copies and none of them was associated with treatment failure.

Conclusion

All the tested ACT in mainland Tanzania were highly efficacious and none of validated k13 mutants associated with artemisinin resistance was observed. However, three isolates with multiple copy numbers of pm2 gene associated with PQ resistance among the limited samples tested successfully calls for further investigation.

Trial registration Number ACTRN12615000159550. Registered 18th February 2015, https://www.anzctr.org.au/trial/MyTrial.aspx
Extensive Molecular and Clinical Heterogeneity in Patients With Histologically Diagnosed CNS-PNET Treated as a Single Entity: A Report From the Children’s Oncology Group Randomized ACNS0332 Trial
Authors: Hwang Eugene I. , Kool Marcel , Burger Peter C. , Capper David , Chavez Lukas , Brabetz Sebastian , Williams-Hughes Chris , Billups Catherine , Heier Linda , Jaju Alok , Michalski Jeff , Li Yimei , Leary Sarah , Zhou Tianni , von Deimling Andreas , Jones David T.W. , Fouladi Maryam , Pollack Ian F. , Gajjar Amar , Packer Roger J. , Pfister Stefan M. , Olson James M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Children with histologically diagnosed high-risk medulloblastoma, supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the CNS (CNS-PNET), and pineoblastoma (PBL) have had poor survival despite intensive treatment. We included these patients in this Children’s Oncology Group trial. Molecular profiling later revealed tumor heterogeneity that was not detectable at protocol inception. Enrollment of patients with CNS-PNET/PBL was subsequently discontinued, and outcomes for this part of the study are reported here.

Patients and Methods

In this phase III, four-arm prospective trial, consenting children age 3-22 years with newly diagnosed CNS-PNET were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive carboplatin during radiation and/or adjuvant isotretinoin after standard intensive therapy. Primary outcome measure was event-free survival (EFS) in the intent-to-treat population. Molecular tumor classification was retrospectively completed using DNA methylation profiling.

Results

Eighty-five participants with institutionally diagnosed CNS-PNETs/PBLs were enrolled. Of 60 patients with sufficient tissue, 31 were nonpineal in location, of which 22 (71%) represented tumors that were not intended for trial inclusion, including 18 high-grade gliomas (HGGs), two atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, and two ependymomas. Outcomes across tumor types were strikingly different. Patients with supratentorial embryonal tumors/PBLs exhibited 5-year EFS and overall survival of 62.8% (95% CI, 43.4% to 82.2%) and 78.5% (95% CI, 62.2% to 94.8%), respectively, whereas patients with molecularly classified HGG had EFS and overall survival of 5.6% (95% CI, 0% to 13.0%) and 12.0% (95% CI, 0% to 24.7%), respectively. Neither carboplatin, nor isotretinoin significantly altered outcomes for all patients. Survival for patients with HGG was similar to that of historic studies that avoid craniospinal irradiation and intensive chemotherapy.

Conclusion

For patients with CNS-PNET/PBL, prognosis is considerably better than previously assumed when molecularly confirmed HGGs are removed. Identification of molecular HGGs may spare affected children from unhelpful intensive treatment. This trial highlights the challenges of a histology-based diagnosis for pediatric brain tumors and indicates that molecular profiling should become a standard component of initial diagnosis.
Cohort-based multiscale analysis of hemodynamic-driven growth and remodeling of the embryonic pharyngeal arch arteries
Authors: Lindsey Stephanie E. , Butcher Jonathan T. , Vignon-Clementel Irene E.
Published: October 2018

Growth and remodeling of the primitive pharyngeal arch artery (PAA) network into the extracardiac great vessels is poorly understood but a major source of clinically serious malformations. Undisrupted blood flow is required for normal PAA development, yet specific relationships between hemodynamics and remodeling remain largely unknown. Meeting this challenge is hindered by the common reductionist analysis of morphology to single idealized models, where in fact structural morphology varies substantially. Quantitative technical tools that allow tracking of morphological and hemodynamic changes in a population-based setting are essential to advancing our understanding of morphogenesis. Here, we have developed a methodological pipeline from high-resolution nano-computed tomography imaging and live-imaging flow measurements to multiscale pulsatile computational models. We combine experimental-based computational models of multiple PAAs to quantify hemodynamic forces in the rapidly morphing Hamburger Hamilton (HH) stage HH18, HH24 and HH26 embryos. We identify local morphological variation along the PAAs and their association with specific hemodynamic changes. Population-level mechano-morphogenic variability analysis is a powerful strategy for identifying stage-specific regions of well and poorly tolerated morphological and/or hemodynamic variation that may protect or initiate cardiovascular malformations.
Lipid bilayer stress-activated IRE-1 modulates autophagy during endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Koh Jhee Hong , Wang Lei , Beaudoin-Chabot Caroline , Thibault Guillaume
Published: October 2018

Metabolic disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are emerging as epidemics that affect the global population. One facet of these disorders is attributed to the disturbance of membrane lipid composition. Perturbation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis through alteration in membrane phospholipids activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) and causes dramatic transcriptional and translational changes in the cell. To restore cellular homeostasis, the three highly conserved UPR transducers ATF6, IRE1 (also known as ERN1 in mammals) and PERK (also known as EIF2AK3 in mammals) mediate adaptive responses upon ER stress. The homeostatic UPR cascade is well characterised under conditions of proteotoxic stress, but much less so under lipid bilayer stress-induced UPR. Here, we show that disrupted phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis in Caenorhabditis elegans causes lipid bilayer stress, lipid droplet accumulation and ER stress induction. Transcriptional profiling of PC-deficient worms revealed a unique subset of genes regulated in a UPR-dependent manner that is independent from proteotoxic stress. Among these, we show that autophagy is modulated through the conserved IRE-1–XBP-1 axis, strongly suggesting of the importance of autophagy in maintaining cellular homeostasis during the lipid bilayer stress-induced UPR.
Mechanically stimulated ATP release from mammalian cells: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mikolajewicz Nicholas , Mohammed Ali , Morris Martin , Komarova Svetlana V.
Published: October 2018

Body tissues are exposed to a complex mechanical environment, which is perceived by cells and converted to biochemical signals such as ATP release. We performed a meta-analysis of 278 systematically identified studies that investigated mechanically stimulated ATP release (MSAR) to quantify the amounts, kinetics and mechanisms of ATP release under normal and pathological conditions. Mechanically stimulated mammalian cells were shown to release 38.6 [95% confidence interval (CI): 18.2–81.8] amol ATP/cell on average with a characteristic time constant of 32 s (95% CI: 16–66). Analysis of ATP release mechanisms revealed the existence of conserved and tissue-specific release routes. We assessed ATP release in pathophysiological states, and found that ATP release was elevated in inflammation and injury, and attenuated in hereditary (such as cystic fibrosis) and metabolic (such as type II diabetes) conditions. Our study links cell-specific ATP release mechanisms to pathophysiological changes in ATP release and allows ATP release-targeting interventions to be mapped to site-specific effects. This work demonstrates that quantitative synthesis of basic research can generate non-trivial hypotheses and inform evidence-driven translational studies.
Raising an Active and Healthy Generation: A Comprehensive Public Health Initiative
Authors: Pate Russell R. , Dowda Marsha
Published: October 2018

Physical activity (PA) provides important health benefits to youth, but most U.S. children and adolescents fail to meet federal PA guidelines. The purpose of this article is to present a plan for a large-scale public health initiative aimed at producing population-level increases in PA among U.S. youth.
The Importance of mTOR Trafficking for Human Skeletal Muscle Translational Control
Authors: Hodson Nathan , Philp Andrew
Published: October 2018

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of muscle protein synthesis, and its activation has long been attributed to its translocation to the lysosome. Here, we present a novel model of mTOR activation in skeletal muscle where the translocation of mTOR and the lysosome toward the cell membrane is a key process in mTOR activation.
Metagenomic evaluation of a Utah tar sand microbiota suggests the predominant hydrocarbonoclastic role of Actinobacteria
Authors: Lewis Dawn E. , Pathak Ashish , Jones Cynthia B. , Akpovo Charlemagne , Chauhan Ashvini
Published: October 2018

Background: Occurrences of tar sands have been reported in 22 states in the United States; however, the largest deposit is located in southwestern Utah. It has been suggested that tar sands were created by the microbial degradation of immobile subsurface oil over several million years; however, little is known about the indigenous microbial communities in the bituminous tar sands. Methods: This study identified Utah tar sand microbiota using next-generation sequencing technology and characterized the functional diversity using community-level physiological profile (CLPP).

Results: Microbiota identified in these tar sands are mainly affiliated with the Gram-positive Actinobacteria and representatives of genera that have also been previously shown to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons, including Arthrobacter, Dietzia, Janibacter, Nocardioides, Microbacterium, Agrococcus and Salinibacterium, suggesting that these microbes likely play roles in the biodegradation of oil-hydrocarbons. CLPP analysis revealed less than 24 h was needed for the first color development in the microplate wells containing the polymers, whereas the duration of the lag phase of the carboxylic acids was prolonged.

Conclusions: The quick utilization of the polymers suggests that the indigenous microbial community, especially the actinomycetes in the tar sand habitat, are poised and primed to degrade these recalcitrant compounds.
Early detection of deep wound infection in bladder exstrophy and hypospadias using a novel intervention
Authors: Sabetkish Shabnam , Sabetkish Nastaran , Kajbafzadeh Abdol-Mohammad
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To introduce a practical technique for the early detection and prompt management of a probable bladder dehiscence (BD) and glanular dehiscence (GD) in patients with bladder exstrophy epispadias complex (BEEC) and hypospadias.

Method:

In this prospective study, paediatric patients with BEEC (group 1) and with proximal hypospadias (group 2) underwent body temperature measurement using a non-contact infrared radiant digital temperature measurement device in four body regions, including the surgical wound, forehead, right hand, and right foot at eight hour intervals, postoperatively. This technique was performed to detect wound temperature rises before whole body temperature rise or visible local wound skin redness, cellulitis or any sign of inflammation or wound dehiscence (WD).

Results:

A total of 24 paediatric patients were recruited. Temperature rise in the surgical wound area was discovered in two patients with BEEC. The temperature reached 39.2°C in the first case (12 days postoperative) and 39.4°C in the second case (16 days postoperative). Urinalysis, urine culture, and clean surgical wound sampling was performed and the presence of Gram-positive microorganisms was detected. Both patients were managed with intravenous imipenem and vancomycin. After changing the antibiotic regimen, wound temperature was gradually decreased to 37.2°C in the first patient by day 16, and to 36.9°C in the second patient by day 21, without rise in body temperature. Other patients in group 1 and all patients in group 2 had normal wound temperature fluctuations within the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Postoperative periodical temperature measurement by a non-contact infrared radiant digital temperature measurement device is a safe and feasible technique that has the ability to detect deep wound infection, and may prevent the occurrence of WD before any visible sign of inflammation.
The significance of collagen dressings in wound management: a review
Authors: Pallaske Frank , Pallaske Anett , Herklotz Kurt , Boese-Landgraf Joachim
Published: October 2018

Clinical experience and research has improved our understanding of wound healing which, in turn, has enabled health professionals to aid wound healing and manufacturers to develop modern wound dressings. The significant role of collagen in wound healing has led to the development of numerous products on the basis of this biological material. The main focus of this review is to provide a critical appraisal of publications about collagen and acellular collagen dressings with a fleece-like or spongy structure. It is intended for clinicians and researchers, and aims to keep them up-to-date in the complex field of interactive, collagen-based wound dressings, including their manufacture, combination possibilities, mechanisms of action, performance in the promotion of wound healing and indications. Despite the small number of clinical studies, the importance of acellular collagen dressings with a fleece- or sponge-like structure is likely to increase in the future. As there is no ideal wound dressing, the knowledge attained is meant to support health professionals in selecting the right product, and pave the way for new applications and clinical studies.
Prescribing in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Peres Alan , Madge Susan
Published: October 2018

Nurses are increasingly taking on prescribing in the care of individuals with cystic fibrosis, a truly multi-system disease. Here, the authors will explore some of the particularities and challenges of prescribing for this patient group.
Multi-compartment compliance aids for addressing poor adherence
Authors: Adsley Rosemary
Published: October 2018

Up to a half of all medication prescribed for long-term conditions are taken incorrectly, or not at all. This article will examine the increasing use of compliance aids, specifically multi-compartment compliance aids in primary and secondary care, and discuss their potential advantages and disadvantages. It will also highlight other options that can be used to improve adherence.
Going to ground
Authors: Benham Kim
Published: October 2018

There is plenty of research to show that all gross motor activities in early years help to develop children's fine motor skills later. Activities that help them to keep their balance will also help them to write, says Kim Benham, senior manager at the outstanding Sparkles Pre-School in Croydon.
Feed the birds
Authors: White Hilary
Published: October 2018

How will wintery weather affect the great outdoors and the British wildlife that inhabits it? Ignite children's interest by focusing on garden birds and the best ways they can be fed.
Short Communication: The existence of Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in the non-conservation forest areas of Cisokan, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: SHANIDA SYA SYA , PARTASASMITA RUHYAT , HUSODO TEGUH , PARIKESIT PARIKESIT , FEBRIANTO PUPUT , MEGANTARA ERRI NOVIAR
Published: October 2018

Shanidah SS, Partasasmita P, Hudoso T. Parikesit, Febriato P, Meganatara EN. 2018. Short Communication: The existence of Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in the non-conservation forest areas of Cisokan, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 42-46. There is no accurate data about the number of individual leopards in Java Island in both conservation and non-conservation areas. In West Java, deforestation for plantations and agriculture is widespread, although it is unknown if leopard uses these human-altered habitats. Therefore, it is important to research the existence of leopards in Non-Conservation Forest Area (NCFA) in western Java, Indonesia. The aim of this research is to investigate: (i) evidence of leopard’s existence (ii) encounter rate of leopard’s existence; and (iii) estimation of individual leopards in NCFA, Cisokan, Cianjur, and West Java. Indirect data were obtained from sign surveys for feces, scrapes, footprints, and residual prey. We also obtained direct data with camera traps. We found 13 footprints, 2 feces, 4 scrapes, and 2 direct encounters by observers. The camera trap data recorded 12 independent leopard events and 8 leopard photos/100 trap days. Estimated number of leopards in Cisokan ranged 1-3 individuals.
Effects of bacterial endophytes from potato roots and tubers on potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis)
Authors: ISTIFADAH NOOR , PRATAMA NURHAYATI , TAQWIM SYAHRIZAL , SUNARTO TOTO
Published: October 2018

Istifadah N, Pratama N, Taqwim S, Sunarto T. 2018. Effects of bacterial endophytes from potato roots and tubers on potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis). Biodiversitas 19: 47-51. Bacterial endophytes are bacteria that inhabit plant tissues without causing any diseases. The endophytes existence may have negative, neutral, or positive effects on the host plants. This paper discusses the effects of bacterial endophytes isolated from potato roots and tubers on potato growth and their abilities to suppress potato cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis. The bacterial endophytes were isolated from roots and tubers of potatoes obtained from six plantation areas in West Java. The endophyte isolates were examined for their effects on potato growth. The non-pathogenic isolates were tested for their abilities to suppress G. rostochiensis in vitro and in potato plants. The results showed that from 88 bacterial endophyte isolates obtained, 13 isolates caused rot in potato seed pieces, 22 isolates inhibited the potato growth, while, 2 isolates increased the growth, and as many as 51 isolates did not influence the growth. The in vitro test using the isolate culture filtrate revealed that there were seven isolates that caused mortality of G. rostochiensis juvenile-2 by 67.5-97.7%. These isolates, however, were not effective in damaging the nematode eggs. In the greenhouse experiment, the bacterial endophyte isolates suppressed the number of cysts by 51.7-65.4% and that of the juvenile-2 of G. rostochiensis by 48.6-76.4%.
Forest gardens management under traditional ecological knowledge in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: WINARNI BUDI , LAHJIE ABUBAKAR M. , SIMARANGKIR B.D.A.S. , YUSUF SYAHRIR , RUSLIM YOSEP
Published: October 2018

Winarni B, Lahjie AM, Simarangkir B.D.A.S., Yusuf S, Ruslim Y. 2018. Forest gardens management under traditional ecological knowledge in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 77-84. Local wisdom of Dayak Kodatn people in West Kalimantan in forest management shows that human and nature are in one beneficial ecological unity known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Former cultivation forest areas are managed in various ways, including planting forest trees, fruit-producing plants, and rubber trees until they transform into the forest garden. This research used three models, monoculture rubber cultivation (Model 1), combined rubber and camphor cultivation (Model 2), and combined rubber and durian cultivation (Model 3). This research intended to: (i) analyze the production of rubber latex and durian fruit; (ii) analyze the growth increment of camphor and durian trees; (iii) analyze the financial feasibility of rubber tree plantation, combined rubber and camphor tree plantation, and combined rubber and durian trees plantation; (iv) formulate the model of rubber cultivation. This research also used measurement methods other than field measurement, which were tree diameter and height, rubber latex and durian fruit weight, and questionnaire interviews. The maximum productions of rubber latex from three models were achieved at the age of 17 years, while maximum production of durian fruits was achieved at the age of 55 years. The maximum growth increment of camphor and durian trees were achieved at the age of 40 years. Based on NPV analysis and IRR, those three models were worthy of being cultivated. Financially, the combined rubber and durian cultivation (Model 3) was the most profitable, followed by monoculture rubber cultivation (Model 1), and lastly the combined rubber and camphor cultivation (Model 2).
Diversity and longitudinal distribution of freshwater fish in Klawing River, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: SURYANINGSIH SUHESTRI , SUKMANINGRUM SRI , SIMANJUNTAK SORTA BASAR IDA , KUSBIYANTO KUSBIYANTO
Published: October 2018

Suryaningsih S, Sukmaningrum S, Simanjuntak SBI, Kusbiyanto. 2018. Diversity and longitudinal distribution of freshwater fish in Klawing River, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 85-92. The aims of this study were to evaluate the diversity and longitudinal distribution of fish in Klawing River, Purbalingga (Central Java). The survey was performed using a clustered random-sampling technique. The river was divided into upstream, midstream and downstream regions. Species diversity was measured as the number of species, and the longitudinal distribution was assessed by determining the fish species present in each of the three regions. Eighteen fish species of eleven families were identified in the Klawing River: Cyprinidae, Bagridae, Mastacembelidae, Anabantidae, Cichlidae, Channidae, Eleotrididae, Beleontinidae, Osphronemidae, Poecilidae, and Siluridae. Cyprinidae exhibited the highest number of species (six), followed by Bagridae and Cichlidae (two species each). The other families were represented by one species each. A single cluster analysis showed that the upstream population had a similarity of 78% and 50% with the midstream and downstream populations, respectively. Species and family diversities were higher in the midstream populations than in the upstream and downstream populations. This longitudinal distribution may be due to differences in environmental conditions and suggests that management of the land surrounding the Klawing River is a key factor in the conservation of freshwater fish.
Variation analysis of three Banyumas local salak cultivars (Salacca zalacca) based on leaf anatomy and genetic diversity
Authors: HERAWATI WIWIK , AMURWANTO ADI , NAFIâ€™AH ZUHROTUN , NINGRUM ARDIANTI MAYA , SAMIYARSIH SITI
Published: October 2018

Herawati W, Amurwanto A, Nafi’ah Z, Ningrum AM, Samiyarsih S. 2018. Variation analysis of three Banyumas local salak cultivars (Salacca zalacca) based on leaf anatomy and genetic diversity. Biodiversitas 19: 119-125. A variation analysis of three salak cultivars was conducted in Banyumas District, Central Java, Indonesia. The aim of the study was to investigate variation amongst the cultivars based on anatomy and genetic diversity by using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique. The result of the study showed that all salak cultivars have similar variation in leaf anatomy. The only distinguishing characteristic is the number of trichomes on cultivars Kedung Paruk and Kalisube per 1 mm2 unit of leaf area, while the cultivars of Candinegara lacked trichomes. Ten primers could detect 50 polymorphic bands (80,6%) from a total of 62 bands which could be observed clearly. The percentage of polymorphic loci in 'Candinegara' was 64%, 'Kedung Paruk' 62%, and 'Kalisube' 44%. The heterozygosity value of 'Candinegara' was 0.1590, 'Kedung Paruk' 0,1449, and 'Candinegara' (0.0235). Meanwhile, the furthest genetic distance was shown by 'Kedung Paruk' and ‘Candinegara’ (0.0704). This result gives us important basic information about cultivars of Salacca zalacca in Banyumas District which have high genetic diversity and germplasm. These results can be used for further research such as for conservation and genetic engineering.