bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A near-infrared probe for non-invasively monitoring cerebrospinal fluid flow by 18F-positron emitting tomography and fluorescence
Authors: Guo Hua , Kommidi Harikrishna , Lekaye Carl C. , Koutcher Jason , Judenhofer Martin S. , Cherry Simon R. , Wu Amy P. , Akin Oguz , Souweidane Mark M. , Aras Omer , Zhu Zhaohui , Ting Richard
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Knowing the precise flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is important in the management of multiple neurological diseases. Technology for non-invasively quantifying CSF flow would allow for precise localization of injury and assist in evaluating the viability of certain devices placed in the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods

We describe a near-infrared fluorescent dye for accurately monitoring CSF flow by positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescence. IR-783, a commercially available near-infrared dye, was chemically modified and radiolabeled with fluorine-18 to give [18F]-IR783-AMBF3. [18F]-IR783-AMBF3 was intrathecally injected into the rat models with normal and aberrant CSF flow and evaluated by the fluorescence and PET/MRI or PET/CT imaging modes.

Results

IR783-AMBF3 was clearly distributed in CSF-containing volumes by PET and fluorescence. We compared IR783-AMBF3 (fluorescent at 778/793 nm, ex/em) to a shorter-wavelength, fluorescein equivalent (fluorescent at 495/511 nm, ex/em). IR783-AMBF3 was superior for its ability to image through blood (hemorrhage) and for imaging CSF-flow, through-skin, in subdural-run lumboperitoneal shunts. IR783-AMBF3 was safe under the tested dosage both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

The superior imaging properties of IR783-AMBF3 could lead to enhanced accuracy in the treatment of patients and would assist surgeons in non-invasively diagnosing diseases of the CNS.
The presence of Mycoplasma bovis in colostrum
Authors: Gille Linde , Evrard Julien , Callens Jozefien , Supré Karlien , Grégoire Fabien , Boyen Filip , Haesebrouck Freddy , Deprez Piet , Pardon Bart
Published: April 2020

In herds withMycoplasma boviscirculation, colostrum is often considered infectious. However, in contrast to milk, the presence ofM. bovisin colostrum was not previously evidenced. In this survey, the presence ofM. bovisDNA was determined with real-time PCR in 368 colostrum samples from 17 herds, recently infected withM. bovis. Only 1.9% of the samples tested positive, with 13 herds having no positive samples and an overall within-herd prevalence of 3.2% (SD: 4.9%; Range: 0–30.0%). These results show that in infected herdsM. bovisDNA can be retrieved in colostrum. To what extend colostrum is infectious remains to be determined.
SMOTE-Boost-based sparse Bayesian model for flood prediction
Authors: Wu Yirui , Ding Yukai , Feng Jun
Published: April 2020

With a significant development of big data analysis and cloud-fog-edge computing, human-centered computing (HCC) has been a hot research topic worldwide. Essentially, HCC is a cross-disciplinary research domain, in which the core idea is to build an efficient interaction among persons, cyber space, and real world. Inspired by the improvement of HCC on big data analysis, we intend to involve related core and technologies to help solve one of the most important issues in the real world, i.e., flood prediction. To minimize the negative impacts brought by floods, researchers pay special attention to improve the accuracy of flood forecasting with quantity of technologies including HCC. However, historical flood data is essentially imbalanced. Imbalanced data causes machine learning classifiers to be more biased towards patterns with majority samples, resulting in poor classification of pattern with minority samples. In this paper, we propose a novel Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE)-Boost-based sparse Bayesian model to perform flood prediction with both high accuracy and robustness. The proposed model consists of three modules, namely, SMOTE-based data enhancement, AdaBoost training strategy, and sparse Bayes model construction. In SMOTE-based data enhancement, we adopt a SMOTE algorithm to effectively cover diverse data modes and generate more samples for prediction pattern with minority samples, which greatly alleviates the problem of imbalanced data by involving experts’ analysis and users’ intentions. During AdaBoost training strategy, we propose a specifically designed AdaBoost training strategy for sparse Bayesian model, which not only adaptively and inclemently increases prediction ability of Bayesian model, but also prevents its over-fitting performance. Essentially, the design of AdaBoost strategy helps keep balance between prediction ability and model complexity, which offers different but effective models over diverse rivers and users. Finally, we construct a sparse Bayesian model based on AdaBoost training strategy, which could offer flood prediction results with high rationality and robustness. We demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model for flood prediction by conducting experiments on a collected dataset with several comparative methods.
Positive periodic solutions for high-order differential equations with multiple delays in Banach spaces
Authors: Liang Yue , Li Hong
Published: April 2020

This paper deals with the existence of positive ω-periodic solutions for nth-order ordinary differential equation with delays in Banach space E of the form $$L_{n}u(t)=f\bigl(t,u(t-\tau_{1}),\ldots,u(t- \tau_{m})\bigr),\quad t\in\mathbb{R}, $$Lnu(t)=f(t,u(t−τ1),…,u(t−τm)),t∈R, where $L_{n}u(t)=u^{(n)}(t)+\sum_{i=0}^{n-1}a_{i} u^{(i)}(t)$Lnu(t)=u(n)(t)+∑i=0n−1aiu(i)(t) is the nth-order linear differential operator, $a_{i}\in\mathbb {R}$ai∈R ($i=0,1,\ldots,n-1$i=0,1,…,n−1) are constants, $f: \mathbb{R}\times E^{m}\rightarrow E$f:R×Em→E is a continuous function which is ω-periodic with respect to t, and $\tau_{i}>0$τi>0 ($i=1,2,\ldots,m$i=1,2,…,m) are constants which denote the time delays. We first prove the existence of ω-periodic solutions of the corresponding linear problem. Then the strong positivity estimation is established. Finally, two existence theorems of positive ω-periodic solutions are proved. Our discussion is based on the theory of fixed point index in cones.
A case report of Gorham-Stout disease diagnosed during the course of recurrent meningitis and cholesteatoma
Authors: Hosoya Makoto , Oishi Naoki , Nishiyama Jun , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: April 2020

Background

Gorham-Stout disease is a rare bone disorder. Here, we present a case of Gorham-Stout disease diagnosed during follow-up of a patient with cholesteatoma; the disease affected the temporal bone and other sites of the skull. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Gorham-Stout disease diagnosed with recurrent cerebrospinal leakage after surgery to treat cholesteatoma.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old male patient re-presented to our department for the first time in 7 years with otorrhea in the right ear and recurrent meningitis. The patient had a history of multiple surgeries for cholesteatoma and suffered from recurrent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which initially was thought to be caused by recurrence of cholesteatoma. Therefore, skull base reconstruction was planned. However, the underlying cause was identified eventually as defects in the temporal bone caused by massive osteolysis due to Gorham-Stout disease. Skull base reconstruction was abandoned because the osteolysis was considered to be progressive. Conservative treatment with infectious control was implemented as an alternative.

Conclusion

This case describes unusual temporal bone osteolysis after cholesteatoma surgery and the importance of considering the possibility of multiple concurrent diseases in such individuals. The distinguishing features of this case are the fact that the temporal bone had disappeared, and deconstruction was complicated by infection and inflammation caused by cholesteatoma, surgical invasion, and Gorham-Stout disease. Appropriate diagnosis saved the patient from ineffective multiple surgeries for cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cholesteatoma, and improved his quality of life.
Supply ranges of stone blocks used in masonry bridges and their construction period along the East Royal Road in the Khmer Empire, Cambodia
Authors: Uchida Etsuo , Sakurai Yuichiro , Cheng Rathborith , Shimoda Ichita , Saito Yu
Published: April 2020

During the Angkor period, there were five Royal Roads linking the capital city of Angkor with provincial principal cities. Seven Temples d’étape, six Fire Shrines, and 25 masonry bridges were constructed along the East Royal Road to Preah Khan of Kompong Svay. We conducted measurements of magnetic susceptibility and chemical composition of laterite blocks and magnetic susceptibility of sandstone blocks used for the construction of the bridges to determine the supply ranges of the stone blocks and the construction ages based on the results obtained in this study and previous studies of Temples d’étape and Fire Shrines. The results suggest that most of the sandstone blocks for the bridge balustrades were supplied from quarries in the southeastern foothills of Kulen Mountain, but that the bridges close to Preah Khan of Kompong Svay have sandstone balustrades supplied from nearby quarries. In contrast, cluster and principal component analyses and t-tests using data for chemical composition and magnetic susceptibility of laterite blocks revealed that there were five sources of supply. These results elucidated that the supply ranges of laterite blocks were narrower than those of the sandstone blocks. Judging from magnetic susceptibilities, supply ranges, shapes, orientations of bedding planes, and stacking methods of the stone blocks, it was concluded that the construction age of the bridges is highly likely to have been in the early Angkor Wat period.
The Relationship Between Physical Fitness Qualities and Sport-Specific Technical Skills in Female, Team-Based Ball Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Farley Jessica B. , Stein Joshua , Keogh Justin W. L. , Woods Carl T. , Milne Nikki
Published: April 2020

Background

Understanding the relationships between physical fitness attributes and sport-specific technical skills may assist with the establishment of beneficial training interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if physical fitness qualities were associated with performance of sport-specific technical skills in female, team-based ball players.

Methods

Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, and Scopus) were searched for relevant studies up to April 15, 2019. Full-text articles investigating relationships between physical fitness and sport-specific technical skills in female, team-based ball players were included. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Data synthesis was conducted to determine the summary of evidence based on the number of significantly associated relationships divided by the total relationships assessed. An individual relationship was defined as a reported result examining the association between a single physical fitness variable and a single sport-specific technical skill.

Results

Data synthesis of grouped female ball players from 41 included studies revealed three clear associations: (i) body composition and defensive technical skills (19/29; 66%), (ii) agility and movement with a ball (4/6; 67%), and (iii) coordination and movement with a ball (3/5; 60%). An uncertain association exists between cardiorespiratory fitness and defensive technical skills (2/5; 40%). No association or an unknown conclusion (< 5 relationships reported) exists between all remaining physical fitness attributes and sport-specific technical skills. Sub-analyses revealed clear associations between body composition and throwing/shooting (using hands) in junior ball players (15/15; 100%) and with movement with a ball in elite (6/9; 67%) and senior (6/6; 100%) ball players. Three uncertain associations were found between offensive technical skills and agility in elite ball players (3/8; 38%), and with speed in elite (6/14; 43%) and junior (7/18; 39%) female ball players.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence available to demonstrate relationships between physical fitness qualities and sport-specific technical skills in female, team-based ball players. This lack of association is possibly due to reductionist methods in available literature and a lack of research in female ball players globally.

Registration

CRD42017065339 (PROSPERO on 12 May 2017).
Make science evolve into a One Health approach to improve health and security: a white paper
Authors: Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Vanlangendonck Chris , Barbeschi Maurizio , Bruschke Christianne J. M. , Christensen Renee , Daszak Peter , de Groot Frouke , Doherty Peter , Drury Patrick , Gmacz Sabri , Hamilton Keith , Hart John , Katz Rebecca , Longuet Christophe , McLeay Jesse , Morelli Gaetano , Schlundt Joergen , Smith Trevor , Suri Sameera , Umali Khristeen , van Aken Jan , Wagenaar Jaap A.
Published: April 2020

The World One Health Congresses are biennial gatherings of approximately 1500 professionals from relevant international organisations, OIE, FAO, WHO, World Bank, leading scientific experts and researchers in the field of One Health, animal production and trade, food safety, animal health, human health and environmentology/ecology, government representatives in public health, human health, food safety, environmental health and global health security. The Congress is organized by the One Health Platform.

This white paper summarizes highlights of the 5th International One Health Congress in Saskatoon, Canada, June 2018 and serves as a roadmap for the future, detailing several concrete action points to be carried out in the run-up to the 6th World One Health Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2020.
Spontaneous pneumothorax associated with primary lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Abu Arab Walid , Ramadan Abdel-maguid
Published: April 2020

Background

The occurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax in primary lung cancer patients is infrequent. No exact theory could explain its mechanism of association. It could be either a primary manifestation or a late complication of primary lung cancer. The aim of this study is to analyze the association of the spontaneous pneumothorax with the primary lung cancer.

Results

A retrospective revision of patients’ files that presented with spontaneous pneumothorax and admitted at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department during the period between January 2000 and January 2018 was done. Twenty-three patients were included in this study. Seventy-four percent of them were males (n = 17). Age ranged between 48 and 77 years (62.3 ± 7.3 years). Twelve patients (52%) were known to have advanced primary lung cancer, while seven patients (30%) had SPnx as a primary presentation for the primary lung cancer that was discovered during radiological assessment for SPnx. The remaining four patients had SPnx and were treated via surgery. In three of them, bullectomy and pleurodesis was performed; the postoperative histo-pathological examination of excised bullae revealed a primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While in one patient, who had bullectomy, the primary lung cancer was discovered accidently during surgery.

Conclusion

Pneumothorax as a first manifestation for lung cancer is infrequent. Its relation to the prognosis has not been yet clear. Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in old, heavy smoker patient, or emphysema patient should raise the suspicion for the possibility of association of lung carcinoma.
Breast Cancer Survival in Sri Lanka
Authors: Balawardena Jayantha , Skandarajah Thurairajah , Rathnayake Wasantha , Joseph Nuradh
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

In this study, we report survival data of the largest cohort of patients with breast cancer in Sri Lanka.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All female patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer treated at a single unit at the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka between 1994 and 2006 were included in the study. Clinical records were reviewed and data obtained on the following clinical and pathologic factors: age, histology, stage at presentation, grade, and immunohistochemistry profile. Treatment details such as type of surgery and use of systemic chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, trastuzumab, and radiation therapy were also collected. In localized cancer, disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary end point, while in patients who presented with de novo metastases, progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point.

RESULTS

A significant proportion of patients presented with de novo metastases (14%) and locally advanced disease (18%). While 57% of patients had hormone-sensitive tumors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression was seen in 14%, and 29% had triple-negative tumors. Only 3% of patients with localized disease were treated with breast-conserving surgery, with the rest undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The 5- year DFS rate was 71.6% (95% CI, 69.2 to 74.0) in patients with localized disease. The median PFS in patients with metastatic disease was 20 months (95% CI, 18 to 22 months), while the median overall survival was 30 months (95% CI, 32 to 35 months). On multivariable analysis, immunohistochemical group and stage were prognostic factors in localized disease, while in patients with metastases, immunohistochemical group and tumor grade were associated with PFS.

CONCLUSION

More effective screening and early detection programs along with increasing breast-conserving surgery will improve breast cancer outcomes in Sri Lanka.
Both sexes produce sounds in vocal fish species: Testing the hypothesis in the pygmy gourami (Labyrinth fishes)
Authors: Liesch Noémie , Ladich Friedrich
Published: April 2020

In vocal fish species, males possess larger sound-generating organs and signal acoustically with pronounced sex-specific differences. Sound production is known in two out of three species of croaking gouramis (Trichopsis vittata and T. schalleri). The present study investigates sex-specific differences in sonic organs, vocalizing behaviour and sounds emitted in the third species, the pygmy gourami T. pumila, in order to test the hypothesis that females are able to vocalize despite their less-developed sonic organs, and despite contradictory reports. Croaking gouramis stretch and pluck two enhanced (sonic) pectoral fin tendons during alternate fin beating, resulting in a series of double-pulsed bursts termed croaking sound. We measured the diameter of the first and second sonic tendon and showed that male tendons were twice as large as in same-sized females. We also determined the duration of dyadic contests, visual displays, number of sounds and buttings. Sexes differ in all sound characteristics but in no behavioural variable. Male sounds consisted of twice as many bursts, a higher percentage of double-pulsed bursts and a higher burst period. Additionally, male sounds had a lower dominant frequency and a higher sound level. In summary, female pygmy gouramis possessed sonic organs and vocalized in most dyadic contests. The sexual dimorphism in sonic tendons is clearly reflected in sex-specific differences in sound characteristics, but not in agonistic behaviour, supporting the hypothesis that females are vocal.
Coexisting giant splenic artery aneurysm and non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor
Authors: Yalkın Omer , Uzunoglu Mustafa Yener , Altintoprak Fatih , Muhtaroglu Ali
Published: April 2020

The splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is rare clinical entity which is the third most common intra-abdominal aneurysm. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are rare malignancies which comprise less than 2% of all pancreatic tumors. Non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors set forth up to 90% of all PNETs. Sixty-seven-year-old female presented to our polyclinic with increasing pain in the left upper quadrant in the previous three months. A computed tomographic angiography revealed 13x13x12 cm sized regular bounded aneurysmatic expansion of medium part of splenic artery. In addition there was a 8x7 mm sized hypoecoic lesion in the distal pancreatic tissue. Distal pancreatectomy, splenic aneurysm resection and splenectomy was performed. Pathological results revealed that there was a 12 cm sized giant true splenic aneurysm and 0.7 cm sized neuroendocrine tumor in the pancreatic tissue. This manuscript is presentation of surgical approach to a case with coexistence of these two rare conditions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1869

How to cite this:Yalkin O, Uzunoglu MY, Altintoprak F, Muhtaroglu A. Coexisting giant splenic artery aneurysm and non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):843-845. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1869

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Experience in the application of laparoscopic anatomical adrenalectomy via the renal cortex surface monolayer
Authors: Ma Tao , Yang Wen-zeng , Cui Zhen-yu , Zhao Chunli
Published: April 2020

Objective: To discuss the clinical application of laparoscopic anatomical adrenalectomy via the renal cortex surface in the operation of adrenal masses.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 231 patients with adrenal masses who were received and cured in the urology department of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from July 2016 to January 2019. All patients received retroperitoneal adrenalectomy by means of laparoscopic anatomical adrenalectomy via the renal cortex surface. Operation duration, bleeding volume, postoperative complications, retention time of the drainage tube were measured and analyzed, and postoperative follow-up surveys were administered.

Results: All cases were successfully operated. Two cases were converted to open surgery due to the presence of large adrenal tumors, and the patients suffered no significant complications. The mean operation duration, bleeding volume and retention time of the drainage tube were 31 minutes, 20 mL and 1.2±0.6 d, respectively. In terms of the postoperative pathology of adrenal tumors, 183 cases were shown to have adenomas, 34 had pheochromocytomas, nine had schwannomas, 3 had metastases from lung cancer, and two had sarcomas. A total of 174 patients were followed up for three to 18 months. Only one case with sarcoma that relapsed within half a year of the operation.

Conclusion: In the treatment of adrenal masses, laparoscopic anatomical adrenalectomy via the renal cortex surface has many advantages including the large operation space, clear view of anatomical markers, little bleeding, small trauma, few postoperative complications, simple operational procedures and short learning curves. This technique needs clinical promotion.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2102

How to cite this:Ma T, Yang W, Cui Z, Zhao C. Experience in the application of laparoscopic anatomical adrenalectomy via the renal cortex surface monolayer. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):717-722. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2102

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Ultrastructural and molecular characteristics of Setaria species based on sequence analysis of genomic and mitochondrial gene markers in cattle (Bos taurus) and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Iran
Authors: ALBORZI A. , HADDADMOLAYAN P , TABANDEH M.R. , GHORBANPOOR M.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrastructural characteristics and genetic diversity of Setaria parasites from cattle (n=696) and buffalo (n= 522) from Khuzestan province of Iran and to compare them with available data from other countries/regions by sequences analysis of the 12S Rdna and the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (cox1) genes. Based on SEM (Scanning Electron Micrographs) and light microscopy, all the isolated worms were identified as Setaria labiatopapillosa. Our results showed that 12.3% of cattle were infected with Setaria spp., while no infection was found in buffaloes. The maximal prevalence was observed in cattle younger than one year old. The prevalence rate was not influenced by the season of the year or gender. Comparison of the obtained sequences from Setaria with sequences of Setaria spp. from GenBank confirmed that all samples belong to the species S. labiatopapillosa. The phylogenetic tree constructed using cox1 and 12S rDNA genes of several other filarial nematodes showed that the Khuzestan isolates share a common branch with S. labiatopapillosa from other regions. Intra-specific variation was observed in 12S rDNA but not in cox1. In conclusion, our results indicating that S. labiatopapillosa is the main species involved in the spread of setarial infection in south-west of Iran and the identified worms corresponded mostly to worms that reported previously throughout other continents.
Influence of dietary Moringa oleifera on broilers performance, intestinal microbial population and humoral immune competence
Authors: ABD EL-GHANY W.A. , ERAKY R.D.
Published: April 2020

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of using different levels of phytobiotic containing Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaf powder (MOLP) on broiler chickens body growth performance parameters, intestinal microbial population, and the humoral immune response. Day-old Hubbard broiler chicks (n = 200) were randomly allocated into 4 treatment diet. Basal diet was supplied with treatments T0, T1, T2 and T3 representing (0, 1%, 5% and 7.5% MOLP); respectively. Chickens were kept under observation for 5 weeks. Body performance parameters, total viable bacterial and coliform counts and humoral immune response to Newcastle disease (ND) virus vaccine were detected using the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The results revealed significant (P < 0.05) improvement in performance parameters in groups supplemented with dietary MOLP. However, the best significant (P < 0.05) performance was observed in the group fed 1% MOLP. There was no significant (P < 0.05) difference among treatments considering the total viable intestinal bacterial and coliform counts. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in the means of HI in dietary MOLP supplemented groups was observed, where the highest means were seen in 1% MOLP treated birds. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MOLP could improve the performance parameters and the immune response while reducing the total viable intestinal bacterial and coliform counts of broiler chickens. The study recommended using of dietary level of 1% MOLP to improve performance, intestinal health, and immune competence.
An uncommon fetal retention case: Ruptured ventral hernia in a sheep
Authors: PEKER C. , UÇAR E.H. , VAROĞLU O. , ERDOĞAN G.
Published: April 2020

A four-year-old pluriparous sheep was brought to our clinic with the complaints of mild anorexia and a wound on the ventral abdominal area, with part of a dead lamb protruding from this lesion. Clinical examination revealed that there was a fetal retention into the ruptured gravid uterine horn that was trapped within a ventral hernia. At herniorrhaphy after removing the dead fetus, strong connections between the uterine and abdominal wall and chronic scars/necrosed tissues were detected in the wound edges, which revealed the long time lapse between the unnoticed herniation-tearing and surgery. Although many ventral hernia cases have been reported in ovine pregnancies, the high maternal resilience in this ruptured hysterocele case, which had a two-week-old history at minimum, is clinically remarkable.
Conjoined Twins in Red Sokoto Goat
Authors: AHMAD I. , CHAFE U.M. , UMAR A.A. , SALISU M.D.
Published: April 2020

A case of female conjoined twins was found in Red Sokoto goat, delivered alive along with a free male kid without obstetrical assistance. The abnormal twins were examined clinically and at postmortem. Based on morphological features, they could be classified as thoraco-omphalopagus symmetrical conjoined twins. Autopsy showed that fusion occurred at ventral-midline from the cranial region of the thorax to abdomen caudal to the umbilicus; thus, only head, neck and pelvis were separated. Genetic factors could be suspected in this case. This is the first report of thoraco-omphalopagus symmetrical twinned goat in Nigeria.
Occurrence of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Arcobacter in pet birds of northern Iran
Authors: SEIFI S. , KHOSHBAKHT R. , AZIZPOUR A.
Published: April 2020

Pet birds can harbor human pathogens and contribute to the transmission of infectious agents to human. Since many people are interested in keeping pet birds, this study was conducted in pet birds from Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Totally, 174 fecal samples of pet birds (cockatiel, canary, lovebird, parrot, mynah, goldfinch, budgerigar, macaw, dove, pigeon, and bulbul) were collected with sterile cotton swabs and submitted to Faculty ofVeterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology (Amol, Iran). After extraction of total DNA, the samples subjected to molecular detection of the Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Arcobacter using polymerase chain reaction. A total of 114 (65.5%), 28 (16%), and 86 (49.4%) samples were found positive for Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Arcobacter, respectively. Furthermore, some birds showed contamination with two or all three of these bacteria. Results showed that mentioned bacteria can be detected from the apparently healthy pet birds. Therefore pet birds can be considered as potential carriers of these enteropathogens.
Improving market outcomes: A qualitative assessment of the Greek dairy supply chain
Authors: KOUTOUZIDOU G. , RAGKOS A. , KOUTSOU S. , THEODORIDIS A.
Published: April 2020

This study provides a qualitatative assessment of the overall outcomes of the dairy supply chain in Greece. Based on the framework of the Taskforce for Agricultural Markets, a questionnaire survey with in-depth interviews was conducted to farmers, industries and supermarkets in Greece in order to gain knowledge about trading practices, market transparency, risk management, contracts, access to finance and the role of Producer Organizations. The analysis did not reveal significant unfair trading practices and showed positive prospects for the overall supply chain.
Carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers fed on earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) meal
Authors: JANKOVIĆ L. J. , PETRUJKIĆ B. , ALEKSIĆ N. , VUČINIĆ M. , TEODOROVIĆ R. , KARABASIL N. , RELIĆ R. , DRAŠKOVIĆ V. , NENADOVIĆ K.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the research was to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat quality from chickens fed on diets in which fish meal was substituted with raw earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) or earthworm meal. In the trial which lasted 42-days, 100 one-day-old Hybro broilers were divided into the control and three experimental groups. The control group was fed on standard broiler feed, the first (E-I) and the second experimental groups (E-II) were fed a diet in which 50% or 100% of fish meal was substituted with earthworm meal, respectively, whilst the third group (E-III) consumed feed without fish meal, but was given raw chopped earthworms ad libitum from day 1 to day 42. The replacement of fish meal with fresh earthworms resulted in significantly lower carcass weights in the E-III group in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). The differences in drumstick, thigh and breast meat share relative to the carcass mass were not significant (p>0.05). The lowest fat content in thigh and breast meat was in the group in which fish meal was replaced with earthworm meal. The lightness (L*) of thigh and breast meat was highest in the broilers fed fresh earthworms ad libitum. No significant differences in pH value were detected between the experimental groups (p>0.05). The most consumer acceptable were drumstick samples from E-II group and the least acceptable samples from the control group. Earthworm meal may be considered an adequate substitute for fish meal in broiler chickens’ diet since it does not impair the production performance, carcass yield and meat quality.
Genetic improvement of indigenous Greek sheep and goat breeds
Authors: ARGYRIADOU A. , GELASAKIS A. I. , BANOS G. , ARSENOS G.
Published: April 2020

The objective of the study was twofold: (i) to review the genetics of production and resilience traits of indigenous Greek small ruminant breeds as well as the evolution of national breeding programs, and (ii) explore innovative and feasible approaches to overcome the challenges and constraints towards improving these breeds and enhancing the sustainability of the small ruminant sector. Previous studies on the genetic basis of production and resilience traits of indigenous breeds revealed high improvement potential. However, the lack of follow-up action has failed to produce applicable results. Thus, implementation of scientific findings in existing breeding programs for these breeds is extremely limited. The latter has contributed to the overall poor success of such programs. Furthermore, due to the fact that most farmers do not comprehend the strategic importance of genetic improvement and lack motivation for self-funding, breeding programs have mostly relied on European or government funding; the latter has resulted in intermittent implementation. Therefore, most programs failed to improve performance of indigenous Greek breeds, many of which were consequently replaced by foreign breeds of higher productivity and documented merit. In order to facilitate the design of breeding schemes and overcome the challenges towards improvement of indigenous breeds, an integrative approach is necessary. The latter should be based on identification of specific breeding objectives, reflecting the priorities and needs of the sector, as well as the capacity of the indigenous populations. Scientific advances exemplified by genomic selection and novel reproductive technologies will enable faster and more effective genetic improvement. The overall approach is expected to enhance the competitiveness of indigenous Greek small ruminant breeds and the sustainability of the sector.
Effect of environmental heat stress on Kıvırcık ram sperm parameters
Authors: KÜÇÜK N. , AKSOY M.
Published: April 2020

The relationship between environmental conditions and reproduction has been in sight of research. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in effect of climate change, global warming and subsequently environmental heat stress on gametes in last decades. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of environmental heat stress on Kıvırcık ram sperm parameters. In this study, semen samples (n=72) were collected from six mature rams during a 12-month study period. The temperature and relative humidity of animal box were controlled daily. The mean monthly temperature humidity index (THI) values were calculated to determine heat stress and control periods. According to the mean monthly THI values, the 36 of 72 ejaculates, which were collected between May and October, were classified as heat stress period samples. The others (n=36), which were collected between November and April, were considered as control period samples. The heat stress period sperm samples had lower sperm concentration, motility, viability, membrane integrity and higher abnormal sperm rate compared to control period sperm samples (P< 0.05). Semen volume, sperm DNA integrity and the ability of sperm to undergo acrosome reaction were detected similar between the heat stress and control periods. In conclusion, environmental heat stress was found deleterious for some sperm parameters in Kıvırcık rams.
Hymenoptera fauna, with emphasis on Ichneumonidae from an area of Caatinga in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Daniell Rodrigo Rodrigues , Antunes Nicanor Tiago Bueno , Araujo Elton Lucio , Lara Rogéria Inês Rosa , Perioto Nelson Wanderley
Published: April 2020

The objectives of this study were to carry out a survey of families of Hymenoptera, with emphasis on Ichneumonidae, in an area of Caatinga, and register the occurrence of new species, if any, for the biome. Samples were taken with Malaise traps between September and November 2008 in a native area of vegetation of Serra do Lima, municipality of Patu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. 7,562 hymenopterans, from 11 superfamilies and 31 families, were collected. The most abundant superfamilies were: Chalcidoidea (2,887 specimens / 38.33% of the total), Platygastroidea (1,572 / 20.87%) and Vespoidea (1,131 / 15.02%) which constituted more than 70% of the captured hymenopterans. A total of 160 specimens of Ichneumonidae from 17 subfamilies were sampled, of which four are new records for Rio Grande do Norte: (Lycorininae, Nesomesochorinae, Phygadeuontinae and Tryphoninae). Altogether, 26 genera were recognized, with 16 new records for the state. Cryptophion espinozai Gauld & Janzen (Campopleginae) and Labena marginata Szépligeti (Labeninae) were registered for the first time in Caatinga. The obtained data demonstrate a considerable diversity of the studied groups in this area and also affirms the necessity of additional studies to establish the richness of this fauna in a more extensive and conclusive way.
Nędza koncepcji globalnych dóbr publicznych
Authors: Kopiński Dominik , Polus Andrzej
Published: April 2020

The Poverty of the Concept of Global Public Goods The concept of global public goods (GPG) reflects an attempt to replicate a microeconomic theory of public goods to the domain of international relations (IR). According to economic definition of public goods, which have two properties – non-rivalry and non-exclusivity, pure GPG can be consumed universally and simultaneously by (ideally) all global citizens; at the same time, no society can be excluded from its consumption. Classic examples of GPG include earth atmosphere, knowledge or financial stability. Notwithstanding the fact that pure public goods are incredibly rare, the very definition of GPG is highly problematic. This article is intended as an intervention in a critical debate about the true meaning of the GPGs. Its authors argue that to date the academic community has failed to agree on an intersubjective understanding of GPG. They also claim that the current functioning of the concept in the discourse within IR is “poor”, i.e. it is insufficiently rigorous, blurred and methodologically inconsistent. On the flip side, the way GPG has found its way to IR reflects some of the main problems that the field has been recently immersed in.
Problem kondycji Polaków i Polski w myśli Romana Dmowskiego
Authors: Grott Bogumił , Grott Olgierd
Published: April 2020

Problem of the Condition of Poles and Poland in the Thought of Roman Dmowski
The authors present opinions of Roman Dmowski – the leader of National Democrats – about character traits of his contemporary Poles and about the level of civilizational advancement of Poland during his lifetime. The authors highlight the development of his opinions, starting from the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th century, when Dmowski criticised the Poles’ unrealistic political stances and the lack of character traits required to resist the occupants. In the next period the National Democrats entered the process of “merging nationalism with Catholicism into a single ideological entity”, which resulted in a shift in Dmowski’s perception of his compatriots. Dmowski started to notice more of their positive traits. He noted their idealism and religiousness, which were to be lacking among many Western societies. At the same time, discussing the political system, Dmowski criticised certain maladjustment of Polish masses to parliamentary democracy, leaning towards a vision of a system of elitist character. This quickly created the need, in Dmowski’s opinion, to identify “leadership”, which he described as “nation in the moral sense” or “national elite” and to entrust the real power to them.
El rol de las redes nacionales de investigación y educación en las Ciencias Sociales
Authors: Cadenas Luis E.
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se revisa el impacto de la transformación digital en las investigación en ciencias sociales. La posibilidad de usar grandes volúmenes de datos está limitada por la disponibilidad de infraestructura. En este contexto el rol de las redes nacionales de investigación y educación es fundamental. A tal fin se debe contar con un conjunto de servicios básicos expuestos a lo largo del texto y, finalmente, se proponen algunas acciones concretas para fortalecer la capacidad de los investigadores de usar esta tecnología para potenciar la capacidad de producir conocimiento y enfrentar los acuciantes problemas que enfrenta la humanidad.
Editorial. Tecnologías y métodos computacionales para la investigación en ciencias sociales y comunicación
Authors: Briceño Romero Ysabel Cristina
Published: April 2020

Editorial. Volumen 13, Número 1 / Enero-junio 2020
What Drives Risk Perception? A Global Survey with Financial Professionals and Laypeople
Authors: Holzmeister Felix , Huber Jürgen , Kirchler Michael , Lindner Florian , Weitzel Utz , Zeisberger Stefan
Published: April 2020

Risk is an integral part of many economic decisions and is vitally important in finance. Despite extensive research on decision making under risk, little is known about how risks are actually perceived by financial professionals, the key players in global financial markets. In a large-scale survey experiment with 2,213 finance professionals and 4,559 laypeople in nine countries representing ~50% of the world’s population and more than 60% of the world’s gross domestic product, we expose participants to return distributions with equal expected return, and we systematically vary the distributions’ next three higher moments. Of these, skewness is the only moment that systematically affects financial professionals’ perception of financial risk. Strikingly, variance does not influence risk perception, even though return volatility is the most common risk measure in finance in both academia and the industry. When testing other, compound risk measures, the probability to experience losses is the strongest predictor of what is perceived as being risky. Analyzing professionals’ propensity to invest, skewness and loss probability also have strong predictive power, while volatility and kurtosis have some additional effect. Our results are very similar for laypeople, and they are robust across and within countries with different cultural backgrounds, as well as for different job fields of professionals.

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, decision analysis.
Variance Regularization in Sequential Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Kim Michael Jong
Published: April 2020

Sequential Bayesian optimization constitutes an important and broad class of problems where model parameters are not known a priori but need to be learned over time using Bayesian updating. It is known that the solution to these problems can in principle be obtained by solving the Bayesian dynamic programming (BDP) equation. Although the BDP equation can be solved in certain special cases (for example, when posteriors have low-dimensional representations), solving this equation in general is computationally intractable and remains an open problem. A second unresolved issue with the BDP equation lies in its (rather generic) interpretation. Beyond the standard narrative of balancing immediate versus future costs—an interpretation common to all dynamic programs with or without learning—the BDP equation does not provide much insight into the underlying mechanism by which sequential Bayesian optimization trades off between learning (exploration) and optimization (exploitation), the distinguishing feature of this problem class. The goal of this paper is to develop good approximations (with error bounds) to the BDP equation that help address the issues of computation and interpretation. To this end, we show how the BDP equation can be represented as a tractable single-stage optimization problem that trades off between a myopic term and a “variance regularization” term that measures the total solution variability over the remaining planning horizon. Intuitively, the myopic term can be regarded as a pure exploitation objective that ignores the impact of future learning, whereas the variance regularization term captures a pure exploration objective that only puts value on solutions that resolve statistical uncertainty. We develop quantitative error bounds for this representation and prove that the error tends to zero like o(n-1) almost surely in the number of stages n, which as a corollary, establishes strong consistency of the approximate solution.
Simple Bayesian Algorithms for Best-Arm Identification
Authors: Russo Daniel
Published: April 2020

This paper considers the optimal adaptive allocation of measurement effort for identifying the best among a finite set of options or designs. An experimenter sequentially chooses designs to measure and observes noisy signals of their quality with the goal of confidently identifying the best design after a small number of measurements. Just as the multiarmed bandit problem crystallizes the tradeoff between exploration and exploitation, this “pure exploration” variant crystallizes the challenge of rapidly gathering information before committing to a final decision. The paper proposes several simple Bayesian algorithms for allocating measurement effort and, by characterizing fundamental asymptotic limits on the performance of any algorithm, formalizes a sense in which these seemingly naive algorithms are the best possible.
Midwives' practice and perception of labour and delivery care at the Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Namwaya Ziidah , Namagembe Imelda , Kaye Dan , Nalwadda Gorrette , Edwards Grace , Nabirye Rose Chalo
Published: April 2020

Background/Aims

The majority of maternal deaths occur during labour, delivery, or within the first 4 hours after birth. This can be reduced by the care that midwives provide. At Mulago Hospital, little is documented on midwives' current practice and their perception of care offered during labor and delivery. The number of maternal and neonatal deaths as a result of preventable causes such as postpartum haemorrhage, obstructed labour, ruptured uterus and sepsis remains high. The aim of this study was to document the current practice of midwives, explore midwives' perception towards practice and identify factors that influence practice during birth in Uganda, to identify possible areas for improvement.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted of midwives working in the three labour wards at the Mulago National referral hospital: the general ward, the private ward and the midwifery-led ward. Midwives' perceptions were explored using a semi-structured questionnaire, which asked midwives about their current practice and their perception of the care offered.

Findings

Care was found to be lacking in several areas. Only one-fifth (20.0%) of midwives reported always checking temperature every 4 hours. Only 20.5% reported that women are always supported in being mobile during labour. Less than half of the midwives (44.4%) knew the recommended drugs for managing the third stage of labour. Infection prevention practices were poor. Only 54% of midwives knew how to prepare magnesium sulphate for management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Overall, the general labour ward was found to have the most gaps in midwives' knowledge. Lack of continuing education, supplies, teamwork and clinical guidelines were reported to affect practice. Staff shortages and midwives' decisions being underlooked by obstetricians were also reported to affect practice.

Conclusions

Overall, the study found that midwifery practice is suboptimal in key areas such as infection prevention, use of a partograph, and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Continuous professional development, provision of resources, and strengthening teamwork are recommended to improve maternal health outcomes at Mulago Hospital.