bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deficits in urological knowledge and skills among family medicine residents in Canada
Authors: Redmond Elaine J. , Saleem Sahar , Domes Trustin , Rourke Keith F.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The last 10–15 years has seen a decline in formal undergraduate urological education throughout Canada. Given the large volume of urological presentations in family practice, trainees need to acquire the requisite urological knowledge and skills to serve their patients. The objective of this study is to determine the perceived level of urological knowledge and skills among Canadian family medicine residents.

Methods: A 15-item anonymous online survey was distributed via email to all Canadian family medicine program directors from September to December 2018 and distributed to their residents. The survey obtained data on demographics, training, undergraduate urology experience, self-reported proficiency in interpreting urological investigations, performing common urological procedures, and managing common urologic conditions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 142 family medicine residents with representation from Western Canada (27.5%), Ontario (32.4%), and Quebec (40.1%); 39.4% of respondents had completed a urology rotation during medical school and only 29.1% felt that their medical training prepared them for the urological aspects of family medicine. Although the majority of respondents felt proficient in performing a digital rectal examination (58.5%) or managing urinary tract infections (97.9%), only a minority felt competent in performing male genitourinary examination (40.1%), uncomplicated male (34.5%), female (45.8%) or difficult (9.2%) urethral catheterization. Likewise, the minority of respondents felt comfortable managing erectile dysfunction (41.5%), scrotal swelling (34.7%), and scrotal pain (25.7%).

Conclusions: There are significant deficiencies in urological knowledge and skills among family medicine residents in Canada, possibly as a consequence of insufficient educational experiences during medical training.
Improved artificial urinary sphincter outcomes using a transcorporal cuff placement in patients with a “fragile urethra”
Authors: Redmond Elaine J. , Rourke Keith F. , Tong Steven , Zemp Logan , Hoy Nathan
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the most effective treatment option for incontinence after prostate cancer treatment. However, patients with a “fragile urethra” (defined as prior radiotherapy, previous failed AUS, or previous urethroplasty) are at increased risk of AUS failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes using standard and transcorporal cuff placement in this group of patients.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients with a fragile urethra who underwent AUS insertion between 2004 and 2017. The primary outcome was the need for AUS revision. Secondary outcome measures included change in pad use, patient satisfaction, continence (≤1 pad/day), improvement (≥50% change in pad use) and cuff erosion rates.

Results: Seventy-six patients met the criteria for inclusion, with a mean age of 71.6 years and a mean followup of 37.9 months. A total of 42.1% had prior radiotherapy, 56.6% had a history of failed AUS, and 19.7% had previous urethroplasty. Transcorporal cuff placement was performed in 31.6% (n=24). These patients had lower revision (20.8% vs. 36.5%; p=0.05) and erosion rates (8.3% vs. 17.3%; p=0.09). There was no significant difference in functional outcomes such as continence (66.7% vs. 73.1%; p=0.57), improvement (100% vs. 90.4%;p=0.17), or satisfaction (82.6% vs. 69.4%; p=0.26), nor for 90-day complications (4.2% vs. 9.6%; p=0.41).

Conclusions: AUS insertion is an effective treatment option for post-prostatectomy incontinence in the setting of a fragile urethra. Transcorporal cuff placement in this subset of patients may be recommended, as it is associated with lower revision and erosion rates compared to standard cuff placement.
Discrepancy in pathology reports upon second review of radical orchiectomy specimens for testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Nason Gregory J. , Sweet Joan , Landoni Lauren , Leao Ricardo , Anson-Cartwright Lynn , Mok Spencer , Guzylak Vanessa , D’Angelo Andrea , Fang Zhi Yi , Geist Ilana , Warde Padraig , Jewett Michael A.S. , Hamilton Robert J.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: We sought to evaluate the discrepancies between primary pathology report and second pathology review of radical orchiectomy (RO) specimens.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of RO specimens from the Ontario Cancer Registry. All cases required both a primary pathology report and a second pathology review from another institution. Histopathological variables assessed included histological subtype and components of mixed germ cell tumor (GCT), pathological tumor (pT) stage, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), spermatic cord invasion, and surgical margin.

Results: Between 1994 and 2015, 5048 ROs were performed with 2719 (53.9%) seminoma and 2029 (40.2%) non-seminoma. Of these, 519 (10.3%) received a second pathology review. There was concordance between primary pathology report and second pathology review in 326 (62.8%) cases. The most common discrepancies involved a change in pT stage (n=148, 28.5%), with upstaging in 83 (16%) and downstaging in 65 (12.5%) cases relative to the original pT stage. The second most common discrepancy regarded the reporting of LVI (n=121, 23.3%), with 62 (11.9%) reporting presence of LVI when the primary pathology report did not. Other discrepancies included a change in the histological subtype in 28 (5.4%) cases and spermatic cord margin status in 5 (9.6%) cases.

Conclusions: Only 10% of orchiectomy specimens underwent a second pathology review, with nearly 40% of reviews leading to a meaningful change in parameters. Such variation could lead to incorrect tumor staging, estimate of relapse risk, and inappropriate treatment decisions. Expert pathology review of RO specimens should be considered, as it has significant implications for decision making.
Early adaptation of urology residency educational programs during COVID-19 clinical and gathering restrictions
Authors: Gabara Adam , Visram Kashif , Leveridge Michael
Published: June 2020

NA
How Can We Account for Persisting Educational Inequalities in Rural China
Authors: Hung Jason
Published: June 2020

The ultimate purpose of the development of this essay is to inform Chinese policymakers on how they can better implement education-related policies to minimise spatial and gender disparities in, and multi-faceted barriers to, educational opportunities. This essay, firstly, highlights policies that address spatial and gender disparities in education and structural barriers to girls’ education with the support of the frameworks of Women in Development (WID) and Gender and Development (GAD) in rural Chinese contexts. Secondly, this essay outlines the problems of rural female underdevelopment in least educationally and financially developed Chinese regions based on critical analyses on relevant statistics and studies. Thirdly, in spite of the Central Government’s and non-governmental organisations’ (NGOs) endeavours to facilitating education development, this essay investigates and analyses how gender inequalities in education persist due to the unaddressed multi-faceted barriers to girls’ education. These multi-faceted barriers include social, cultural, economic and otherwise educational impediments faced by rural poor Chinese girls. Lastly, this essay suggests state and NGOs’ policy and intervention to address such structural barriers to education and enhance rural girls’ decision-making powers and educational opportunities in the long-term.
Stress Related Factors Among Nurses Working in Accident and Emergency in a Selected Federal Government Hospital in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Emon Umoe Duke , Ella E. Regina , Esienumoh Ekpoanwan , Nwakwue C. Ndukaku , Catherine Tam-Princewill
Published: June 2020

Stress bears a negative effect on nurses’ lives and work which includes relationships, such as family life and social relationship. This is because nurses spend more time by the patients and in the healthcare setting than any other healthcare professional. This study examined the stress related factors among nurses working in Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department of one the federal hospitals in South-south Nigeria. The study had four (4) specific objectives and four (4) hypotheses. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Convenient sampling technique was used to recruit fifty-seven (57) nurses who are currently working or have worked in the A&E unit of the hospital. Data collection was with structured questionnaire aided by two research assistants. Permission was obtained from the ethics committee of the hospital. Findings revealed that 49 (86%) do not observe break during their shift and a further 50 (88%) go home completely exhausted. 54 (95%) of the respondents viewed that the workload in A & E is enormous. Staff shortage accounted for 56 (98.5%) of stressors. 47 (83%) of the perception of stressors from respondents are due to problems in interaction with the administration. The study identified various coping mechanisms nurses adopt to combat stressful shifts. Findings reveals that friends 49 (86%), work associates 54 (92.5%), faith 55 (96.5/%) and personal time alone 56 (98.5%) were sources of coping with the stress. The test of hypothesis showed that positive calculated r-value is greater than the critical r-value of 0.269 at 0.05 alpha level with 55 degree of freedom. Thus, there is a significant relationship between stress-related factors and stress among nurses. Conclusion was based on the findings of this study which was recommended amongst others that hospitals should provide a counsellor through employee assistance programs to help nurses during burnout.
Concentration, Temperature and Storage duration Influence Chemical Stability of Compost Tea
Authors: Vehniwal Sanjamveer S. , Ofoe Raphael , Abbey Lord
Published: June 2020

Chemical stability is one of the key quality control criterion for complex degradable materials with an active microbial community like compost tea, but largely understudied. A laboratory study was performed to assess the chemical stability of varying concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 and 100%) of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost tea stored at different temperatures (4°, 10°, 22° and 35°C) and storage time (0, 13, 26 39 and 52 days). A 2-dimension principal component biplot confirmed close relationship amongst total dissolved solids (TDS), electric conductivity (EC) and salinity while pH was less related and turbidity was isolated. TDS in the MSW compost tea did not change at a storage temperature of 4oC or 10oC but was significantly (P<0.05) increased by 4.3% when the storage temperature was raised to 35oC. Also, TDS increased sharply from 93.25 mg/L on day 1 to 111.31 mg/L on day 26 after which it remained unchanged. EC increased by approximately 8% only when the MSW compost tea was stored at 35oC. The EC on the other hand increased by 19.4% from 131.28 µS/cm on day 1 when it peaked on day 26 and plateaued off to day 52. The change in pH was small and ranged from 7.44 to 7.67. Concentration had the strongest association with TDS, EC, salinity and turbidity and did not vary with storage time nor temperature. A multilinear regression (Y = αD + βC + γT + k) showed significant (P<0.05) coefficients for all the independent variables except the coefficients for temperature in the turbidity, salinity and pH regression models. In conclusion, the chemical stability of the MSW compost tea was dependent on the storage temperature and storage duration. Chemical stability was reached after 26 days of storage while cold storage at 4oC or 10oC reduced chemical alteration.
PRINCE STANISŁAW PONIATOWSKI: EXPERT ON
AND COLLECTOR OF ANCIENT AND ITALIAN ART
Authors: Bender Agnieszka
Published: June 2020

The current state of research into the patronage
and collecting activities of Prince Stanisław Poniatowski
(1754–1833) in Italy with which he was connected for
almost 40 years of his life is outlined. Over the period, the
Prince made 3 long trips there which preceded 30 years of
living in Italy on a permanent basis, first in Rome, and then
in Florence where he was buried.
Despite his many accomplishments and extraordinary
personal history, the Prince has not taken as prominent
a position either in academic research or in the collective
memory of Poles as his junior cousin Prince Józef who
drowned in the Elster River giving his life for the homeland.
Although no monograph has as yet been published
on Stanisław Poniatowski, he is not entirely forgotten.
However, the major studies dedicated to him were
published a relatively long time ago. The most extensive,
i.e. the book I Poniatowski a Roma (Firenze 1972), speaking
of the history of Prince Stanisław and the Poniatowski
family, was written by the Italian writer and columnist
Andrea Busiri Vici and has never been translated into
Polish. As the current state of research shows, very few
Polish art historians have taken any in depth interest in
the Prince’s activity. Apart from the mentions scattered
in different studies, there are merely four articles dealing
with some selected aspects of the Prince’s patronage
and collecting activity (by Janina Michałkowa, Elżbieta
Budzińska, Tadeusz Jaroszewski, Dominika Wronikowska).
Historically the most complete study dedicated to Prince
Stanisław is to be found in Jerzy Michalski’s paper from
50 years ago published in the Polish Biographical Dictionary.
The to-date Polish and foreign publications in history,
history of art and archaeology do not exhaust many issues
related to the person, activity, and the collecting passion of
Prince Stanisław.
Diez años sin Manolo: Epílogo para náufragos desde las antípodas
Authors: Colmeiro José
Published: June 2020

Manolo acostumbraba a explicar la labor del escritor y del intelectual en la moderna sociedad de masas como la de un emisor de mensajes en busca de lectores cómplices. Para ello utilizaba frecuentemente la metáfora del náufrago robinsoniano que envía mensajes en una botella con la esperanza de que alguien en algún lugar los encuentre y los pueda descifrar. Su obra se podría decir que constituye efectivamente una gigantesca agencia de mensajería, desbordada por su propia excesiva producción. Una proliferación de mensajes excesivos en género y número, que respondía tanto a su obsesión de necesidad comunicativa como a su vasto conocimiento enciclopedista de la realidad. Sus universos creados de poesía y ficción son una prueba del desafecto a la realidad, del deseo y la limitación de poder cambiarla. Son mensaje de náufragos que buscan otro tiempo y otro lugar, quizás ese lugar imposible de hallar del que uno no quisiera regresar. Su crónica del desencanto se presenta así como el gran espectáculo de una insatisfacción anunciada. Con la perspectiva del tiempo se va haciendo también cada vez más clara otra realidad, la de que los náufragos somos nosotros, que todos vivimos en islas y que necesitamos las botella de mensajes como balones de oxígeno para no perecer ahogados entre los restos del naufragio colectivo. Manolo se nos muestra como un Capitán Nemo, invisible pero real, que nos sigue enviando mensajes “desde la otra orilla del horizonte”. Su obra en efecto sigue emitiendo mensajes, sus palabras siguen echándonos cabos, orientando nuestros pasos desde la otra orilla. Su obra, como su memoria, se mantiene, adquiriendo nueva profundidad y resonancia, provocándonos y alentándonos, en cualquier orilla en que nos encontremos.
Voces y personas gramaticales en "Galíndez" (1990) y "Autobiografía del general Franco" (1992) de Manuel Vázquez Montalbán
Authors: Nallet Thierry
Published: June 2020

En Galíndez y Autobiografía del general Franco, destacan unos recursos novelescos que permiten la configuración de un mundo en el que se oponen valores y puntos de vista, como la contraposición de discursos y el dialogismo. Este artículo estudia este pluriperspectivismo haciendo especial hincapié en la enunciación, por ejemplo en el uso del “tú”. En estas novelas de la memoria, la tensión contrapuntística no deja de involucrar al lector en la revisión y la subsiguiente desmitificación de una historia conflictiva.
El motivo del viaje como análisis socio-político en "Los alegres muchachos de Atzavara"
Authors: Saval José Vicente
Published: June 2020

"Los alegres muchachos de Atzavara" se adentra mediante la investigación de las diferentes posturas de los protagonistas-narradores y el viaje a la segunda residencia se convierte en una forma de catarsis donde todo es posible a pesar de la desorientación producida por los últimos estertores del tardofranquismo.
Manuel Vázquez Montalbán y la novela negra del desencanto
Authors: Sánchez Zapatero Javier , Martín Escribà Àlex
Published: June 2020

El artículo analiza la serie de novelas negras de Manuel Vázquez Montalbán protagonizadas por el detective Pepe Carvalho. Además de estudiar sus relaciones con la obra de otros autores europeos como Izzo, Camilleri o Márkaris, el artículo incide en el modo en el que la "serie Carvalho" se convierte en una crónica desencantada y nostálgica de lo acontecido en España durante las últimas décadas del siglo XX.
Retraducir a Manuel Vázquez Montalbán: el caso de Los mares del Sur
Authors: Rodríguez Abella Rosa María
Published: June 2020

Estudio firmado por Rosa María Rodríguez Abella acerca de las traducciones de Los mares del Sur, una de las obras más emblemáticas de la ingente producción montalbaniana, al italiano.
A modo de introducción
Authors: Saval José Vicente
Published: June 2020

Introducción informativa acerca del contenido de este número de la revista.
“¿Hacemos turismo o viajamos, Biscuter?” Manuel Vázquez Montalbán y las modalidades del viaje
Authors: Galant Ivanne
Published: June 2020

Estudio sobre el motivo del viaje en la obra montalbaniana firmado por Ivanne Galant que además de analizar un prólogo escrito por Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, aborda las novelas Los pájaros de Bangkok y, naturalmente, Milenio, entre otras.
Sección bibliográfica. Reseña. Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Barcelonas, a cargo de Quim Aranda. Barcelona: Ayuntament de Barcelona, 2018, por José Vicente Saval
Authors: Saval José Vicente
Published: June 2020

En esta reseña se analiza la importancia de la reedición de Barcelonas a cargo del periodista y novelista Quim Aranda
Sección bibliográfica. Reseña. Carlos Zanón, Carvalho: problemas de identidad. Barcelona: Planeta, 2019, por Mari Paz Balibrea
Authors: Balibrea Mari Paz
Published: June 2020

Mari Paz Balibrea reseña el retorno de Carvalho de la mano de otro autor, Carlos Zanón, en Carvalho: problemas de identidad.
DOES LIDOCAINE HAVE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS AGAINST MAJOR PATHOGENS THAT INFECT WOUNDS? AN IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: Henriques Bruno Carvalho , Caldeira Isadora Delfino , Portelinha Maria Júlia Schadeck , Medina Denis Aloísio Lopes , Martelli Cesar  Alberto  Talavera , Oliveira Mayla Silva Cayres  de , Almeida Mércia de Carvalho , Marques Mariângela Esther Alencar , Nai Gisele Alborghetti
Published: June 2020

Local anesthetics are commonly used in medicine and dentistryand have a low cost, but their action as a microbicidalagent is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of lidocaine against bacteria thatmost commonly infect surgical wounds. We evaluated Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilisand Enterococcus faecalis. The solutions tested were saline, chlorhexidine, lidocaine (solution and pure) and an antibioticsolution. The agar diffusion test was performedusingPetri dishes. The agar plates were made in duplicate and incubated in an oven at 37°C for 48h. Subsequently, the inhibition halos were measured.The plates tested with lidocaine (pure or solution) presented no inhibition halo. The antibiotic solution presented the largest inhibition halos for all the bacteria(p<0.05). Chlorhexidine formed an inhibition halo similar to that of the antibiotic solution for Escherichia coli(p>0.05). Lidocaine did not present an antimicrobial effect for any of thetested bacteria. However, the antibiotic solution and the chlorhexidine inhibited the growth of all bacteria.
Intergovernmental cooperation, divided societies and capital cities: The case of the Ethiopian capital
Authors: Fessha Yonatan T.
Published: June 2020

Some call it Addis Ababa. Others call it Finfinnee. That is the capital city of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. “What’s in a name?” In fact, the name is at the centre of the row over the federal capital. Those who opt to refer the capital as Finfinnee claim that the capital belongs to the Oromo. Those that stick to the official name, Addis Ababa, reject the language of ownership. But this is not merely a fight over history. It is a constitutional politics that has gripped the federation. The debate over the Ethiopian capital brings to fore the question about the place of capital cities in multi-ethnic federations. Using the Ethiopian capital as a case study, this article investigates how capital cities can manage the tension between the accommodation of diverse communities and the indigeneity argument that is often used as a basis to claim ownership. The article argues that the mediation of tensions can be best addressed through the framework of intergovernmental cooperation.
The Municipal Regime, the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the Metropolitan Areas in the Argentine Federation
Authors: Hernández Antonio María
Published: June 2020

The Argentine Constitution, especially after the 1994 Constitutional Reform, established a federal structure of four orders of government: Federal, Provinces, the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and Municipal. Also, Provinces have the possibility to create regions for economic and social development. In this first point, some characteristics are highlighted, such as the tendency towards centralization. The autonomous municipal regime is analyzed in the second point. The municipal regime was inserted in the original Constitution of 1853, but throughout the history there has been a debate about its nature, ranging from autarchy to autonomy. In the 1994 Constitutional Reform, municipal autonomy was recognized, with five aspects: institutional, political, administrative, financial, and economic. In the third point, the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires is studied. It is a City-State, with a nature similar to that of the Provinces and is represented in the Chamber of Deputies and in the Senate of the Nation. Its own Constitution was drafted in 1996. The phenomenon of metropolitan areas of Buenos Aires and Cordoba are briefly considered, in the fourth point. And, finally, in the fifth point, the transcendent relationship between the autonomous municipal regime and the federal republic and the role of cities in the globalized world are reflected.
Is There a New Meaning of Work? The How and Why of a Change in Altruistic Work Values in Germany between 1989 and 2016Date submitted: July 11, 2018 Revised version accepted after double-blind review: February 11, 2019.
Authors: Brinck Karla Louise , Hauff Sven , Kirchner Stefan
Published: June 2020

This study complements the discussion on changes in work values by insights about the dimension of altruistic work values, which to date has been largely neglected. In particular, we analyze how a change in the structure of the workforce (gender, age, and generation) has affected the importance of altruistic work values in the past decades. Using German data from four different years (1989, 1997, 2006, and 2016), we found that work values’ importance has increased during the observed periods, while extrinsic work values have become less important and intrinsic work values have not changed. An increase of women and an aging workforce marginally have contributed to a change in altruistic work values, while shifting generational distribution had no effect. Overall, the explanatory powers of the included determinants are, despite their importance in theoretical discussions, fairly small. Thus, we discuss alternatives for explaining the change in altruistic work values.
Co-Creating the Good Job or the Extra Mile: Does Co-Creational Implementation of WHP Improve Working Conditions? Date submitted: August 31, 2018Revised version accepted after double-blind review: November 11, 2019.
Authors: Nöhammer Elisabeth , Drexel Michaela , Stummer Harald
Published: June 2020

Workplace health promotion (WHP) can be the starting point for organizational development towards becoming a healthy organization offering good jobs. Participative processes are explicit standards for designing WHP thought to always be positive for the workforce. However, they may also result in employees creating ideal contexts for overexertion. This paper critically examines the potentials of co-creation in the employee health context and as standard for creating the good job. We do this analyzing the employee health-related co-creational processes in a faith-based hospital using multimethod organizational analysis with observational, ethnographic and interventional elements. The results indicate that the professionalism of the employees and sharing organizational goals can prevent co-creating more stress and strain.
The Role of Small-Scale Farmers in Ensuring Food Security in Africa
Authors: Nosipho Hlophe-Ginindza Samkelisiwe , Mpandeli N.S.
Published: June 2020

This chapter focuses on the role of African small-scale farmers in ensuring food security going into the future and the support they will need to face the projected climatic conditions. Severe climatic conditions contribute to the uncertainty in water availability for future agricultural production. Adapting to climate change and ensuring food security requires dynamic interventions that will lead to the transformation of current farming and food production patterns as well as food distribution. Nearly 95% of Africa’s agriculture is rainfed; therefore, developing and promoting rain-fed small-scale agricultural activities is a cost-effective approach for transforming rural areas in Africa and ensuring food security at local and regional levels. This is crucial in reducing vulnerability to climate change and for building sustainable livelihoods.
Improvement of the Thermal Properties of Sorel Cements
Authors: Zgueb Rim , Brichni Amal , Yacoubi Noureddine
Published: June 2020

Sorel cements is a promising building material for insulation applications. Indeed, the effect of polyvinyl acetate polymer on cements has been investigated. The polyvinyl acetate polymer was added to the cement matrix with a percentage of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight of Sorel cement. The thermal properties of Sorel cement were determined by photothermal deflection technique. Thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are measured by coincidentally the experimental curves of the photothermal signal with the best corresponding theoretical curves. The results revealed that the incorporation of polyvinyl acetate polymer enhance the thermal insulation and reduce the compressive strength of Sorel cement.
Structural Changes in Vermiculites Induced by Temperature, Pressure, Irradiation, and Chemical Treatments
Authors: Marcos Celia
Published: June 2020

Depending on the treatment, the crystallinity increase of vermiculite may be accompanied by the enhancement of the majority starting phase, and the crystallinity loss may be accompanied by the appearance or disappearance of interstratified phases. Starting vermiculites with high K+ content in the interlayer have more interstratified phases and lower water content and are less crystalline. The crystallinity loss of vermiculite and therefore the structural disorder increase are caused by the structural water loss. On the contrary, the crystallinity increase is produced by water gain. The vermiculite transformation by structural water loss occurs with temperature increase, vacuum, irradiation with microwaves or ultraviolet, and alcohol or acidic treatment. On the contrary, the transformation by water gain occurs in vermiculites treated with hydrogen peroxide and in those subjected to ionic metal exchange. These treatments provide evaluable information on the relationship between the structure of vermiculites and their industrial applications. The changes suffered by vermiculites due to the treatments applied could give light to ambiguities about their geological origin and hydrothermal and/or supergene processes.
Sheep Grazing Management in the Mountain Region: Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Authors: Monteiro António , Costa José , Esteves Fernando , Santos Sérgio
Published: June 2020

Semi-natural Mediterranean pastures are an important resource in traditional systems of land use, namely in the Serra da Estrela region, located in the centre of mainland Portugal, where livestock activity is performed, mostly based in the dairy sheep farming. It is a region of rugged and mountainous relief, composed of shrub and herbaceous strata, usually associated with the sheep diet while they are grazing. These pastures take on some typologies, mainly in the mountain areas, including meadows, mesophille perennial Nardus grasslands and other perennial pastures of high ecological and scenic value. The floristic composition is predominantly composed of grasses (Poaceae), and legume (Fabaceae) species. The implementation of adequate cultivation techniques for the pasture management allows an increase in its productivity and nutritional value, resulting in increased stocking rate and reduced supplementation needs. In addition, these techniques promote the maintenance of biodiversity and landscape mosaic supporting the environment programmatic indications of the Common Agricultural Policy. Thus, the characteristics, potentialities and management practices of grasslands in the Serra da Estrela region are described, based on a literature review. This chapter aims to provide useful information, to the farmers who intend to make their pastures management more efficient while promoting environmental sustainability.
Autopsy in Foetal Infant Deaths
Authors: Sharma Luv
Published: June 2020

Child autopsies are not more difficult than adult autopsies, but do require a number of extra techniques to be performed routinely. This chapter aims to cover the basic techniques required for foetal, perinatal, and infant post mortems. Post mortem examinations of children older than 2 years of age do not differ greatly from adult autopsies.
Les nouveaux paradigmes éducatifs : quelles nécessités et quelles possibilités ? Mise en oeuvre et évaluation d’une pédagogie intégrative et implicative (P2i)
Authors: Pasquier Florent
Published: June 2020

L’article part du constat que les systèmes éducatifs mondiaux ne parviennent pas à former une humanité heureuse. Il s’interroge sur le sens des mots liés aux questions éducatives et à la mise en oeuvre de nouvelles méthodes éducatives. Après avoir éconduit le leurre de la panacée des artefacts technologiques placés seuls en scène, il présente des voies d’exploration d’autres formes éducatives possibles, comme celles guidées par le retour d’un certain humanisme ou encore par les neurosciences. Il présente enfin brièvement un modèle de compréhension de l’homme et de ses activités débouchant sur la conception d’un système de travail tirant parti de l’évolution de sciences contemporaines à partir de la pensée transdisciplinaire et la psychologie transpersonnelle. Il en expose un exemple d’organisation concrète dans une formation professionnelle de futurs enseignants et en propose une évaluation après cinq années de pratiques qui ont encouragé des transformations vers un accomplissement individuel et collectif.
Contribution of prokaryotes and eukaryotes to CO2emissions in the wastewater treatment process
Authors: Jaromin-Gleń Katarzyna , Babko Roman , Kuzmina Tatiana , Danko Yaroslav , Łagód Grzegorz , Polakowski Cezary , Szulżyk-Cieplak Joanna , Bieganowski Andrzej
Published: June 2020

Reduction of the greenhouse effect is primarily associated with the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the gases that increases the greenhouse effect - it is responsible for about half of the greenhouse effect. Significant sources of CO2are wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and waste management, with about 3% contribution to global emissions. CO2is produced mainly in the aerobic stage of wastewater purification and is a consequence of activated sludge activity. Although the roles of activated sludge components in the purification process have been studied quite well, their quantitative contribution to CO2emissions is still unknown. The emission of CO2caused by prokaryotes and eukaryotes over the course of a year (taking into account subsequent seasons) in model sequencing batch reactors (SBR) is presented in this study. In this work, for the first time, we aimed to quantify this contribution of eukaryotic organisms to total CO2emissions during the WWTP process. It is of the order of several or more ppm. The contribution of CO2produced by different components of activated sludge in WWTPs can improve estimation of the emissions of GHGs in this area of human activity.
Isolation, diversity, and antimicrobial activity of fungal endophytes from Rohdea chinensis (Baker) N.Tanaka (synonym Tupistra chinensis Baker) of Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: An Chao , Ma Saijian , Shi Xinwei , Xue Wenjiao , Liu Chen , Ding Hao
Published: June 2020

Endophytic fungi have been emerged as fruitful resources for producing structurally fascinating and biologically active secondary metabolites. However, endophytic fungi from medicinal plants of Qinling Mountains–the most important natural climatic boundary between the subtropical and warm temperate zones of China with an astonishingly high level of biodiversity–have rarely been explored as potential sources of novel fungal species and active secondary metabolites. In this study, a total of 371 fungal colonies were successfully isolated from 510 tissue segments of the medicinal Tupistra chinensis Baker collected from Qinling Mountains, China. Roots of T. chinensis Baker are used as a folk medicine to ameliorate pharyngitis and treat rheumatic diseases. A total of 100 representative morphotype strains were identified according to ITS rDNA sequence analyses and were grouped into three phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota), seven classes (Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Microbotryomycetes, Agaricomycetes, Leotiomycetes, Mortierellomycetes), and at least 35 genera. The genera of Collectotrichum (IF, 29.92%), Fusarium (IF, 8.36%), Aspergillus (IF, 8.09%), and Dactylonectria (IF, 5.39%) were most frequently isolated from the tissues of T. chinensis Baker. The Species Richness Index (S, 65) and the Shannon-Wiener Index (H′, 3.7914) indicated that T. chinensis Baker harbored abundant fungal resources. Moreover, five isolates were potential new taxa because of low similarity of ITS sequences ranged from 95.09%∼96.61%. Fifteen out of 100 endophytic fungal ethyl acetate extracts exhibited inhibitory activities against at least one pathogenic bacterium or fungus. Two important lead compounds produced by two stains (F8047 and F8075) with high antimicrobial activities were identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF MS) analyses. In addition, it was noteworthy that the strain F8001, which may be a potential new species, showed antimicrobial activity and should be investigated further. Overall, these results indicated that the endophytic fungi from T. chinensis Baker could be exploited as a novel source of bioactive compounds.
Identification of candidate genes and prognostic value analysis in patients with PDL1-positive and PDL1-negative lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qi Xiaoguang , Qi Chunyan , Kang Xindan , Hu Yi , Han Weidong
Published: June 2020

Background

Increasing bodies of evidence reveal that targeting a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody is a promising immunotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma. Although PD receptor ligand 1 (PDL1) expression is widely recognized as the most powerful predictive biomarker for anti-PD-1 therapy, its regulatory mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and elucidate the regulatory mechanism of PDL1 in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The GSE99995 data set was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Patients with and without PDL1 expression were divided into PDL1-positive and PDL1-negative groups, respectively. DEGs were screened using R. The Gene Ontology (GO) database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were analyzed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of DEGs was visualized using Cytoscape, and the MNC algorithm was applied to screen hub genes. A survival analysis involving Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was used to verify the GEO results. Mutation characteristics of the hub genes were further analyzed in a combined study of five datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Results

In total, 869 DEGs were identified, 387 in the PDL1-positive group and 482 in the PDL1-negative group. GO and KEGG analysis results of the PDL1-positive group mainly exhibited enrichment of biological processes and pathways related to cell adhesion and the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway, whereas biological process and pathways associated with cell division and repair were mainly enriched in the PDL1-negative group. The top 10 hub genes were screened during the PPI network analysis. Notably, survival analysis revealed BRCA1, mainly involved in cell cycle and DNA damage responses, to be a novel prognostic indicator in lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, the prognosis of patients with different forms of lung adenocarcinoma was associated with differences in mutations and pathways in potential hub genes.

Conclusions

PDL1-positive lung adenocarcinoma and PDL1-negative lung adenocarcinoma might be different subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma. The hub genes might play an important role in PDL1 regulatory pathways. Further studies on hub genes are warranted to reveal new mechanisms underlying the regulation of PDL1 expression. These results are crucial for understanding and applying precision immunotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma.
Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Maize in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Ali A. , Usman M. , Ojeniyi S. O.
Published: June 2020

Field experiment was conducted with the objective to determine the effect of inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of maize at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria, during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The experimental treatments consisted of 0, 75, 150 and 300 kg ha-1 of NPK fertilizer laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Soil samples were collected from a plough layer of 0-15 cm before and after the experiment for each cropping season according to the treatments and were analyzed for particle size distribution (PSD), soil pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus, exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Maize plant (growth and yield) data collected were subjected to analysis of variance after which significant means were separated using least significant difference (LSD) at P < 0.05. From the results, the effects of fertilizer treatments on soil properties investigated were significant. Application of fertilizer increased soil organic matter (SOM), TN and CEC in both cropping seasons. However, the SOM was low in all plots with no application of fertilizer. Exchangeable bases, base saturation and CEC reduced in 2017 in no fertilizer treatments but remarkably increased in 2018 due to application of 75, 150 and 300 kg ha-1. The 300 kgha-1 NPK fertilizer applications produced higher growth and yields of maize plant than remaining treatments. Similarly, soil properties (soil pH, SOM, TN and CEC) were also improved with application higher levels of mineral fertilizers for agricultural production.
Whole‐blood dysregulation of actin‐cytoskeleton pathway in adult spinal muscular atrophy patients
Authors: Siranosian Jennifer J. , Nery Flavia C. , Alves Christiano R. R. , Siranosian Benjamin A. , Lyons Nicholas J. , Eichelberger Eric J. , Garner Reid , Da Silva Duarte Lepez Salomé , Johnstone Alec J. , Subramanian Aravind , Swoboda Kathryn J.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Recent advances in therapeutics have improved prognosis for severely affected spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 and 2 patients, while the best method of treatment for SMA type 3 patients with later onset of disease is unknown. To better characterize the SMA type 3 population and provide potential therapeutic targets, we aimed to understand gene expression differences in whole blood of SMA type 3 patients (n = 31) and age‐ and gender‐matched controls (n = 34).

Methods

We performed the first large‐scale whole blood transcriptomic screen with L1000, a rapid, high‐throughput gene expression profiling technology that uses 978 landmark genes to capture a representation of the transcriptome and predict expression of 9196 additional genes.

Results

The primary downregulated KEGG pathway in adult SMA type 3 patients was "Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton,” and downregulated expression of key genes in this pathway, including ROCK1, RHOA, and ACTB, was confirmed in the same whole blood samples using RT‐qPCR. SMA type 3 patient‐derived fibroblasts had lower expression of these genes compared to control fibroblasts from unaffected first‐degree relatives. Overexpression of SMN levels using an AAV vector in fibroblasts did not normalize ROCK1, RHOA, and ACTB mRNA expression, indicating the involvement of additional genes in cytoskeleton dynamic regulation.

Interpretation

Our findings from whole blood and patient‐derived fibroblasts suggest SMA type 3 patients have decreased expression of actin cytoskeleton regulators. These observations provide new insights and potential therapeutic targets for SMA patients with longstanding denervation and secondary musculoskeletal pathophysiology.
Flexible Electronics and Materials for Synchronized Stimulation and Monitoring in Multi‐Encephalic Regions
Authors: Ling Wei , Yu Jingxian , Ma Ning , Li Ya , Wu Ziyue , Liang Rong , Hao Yafeng , Pan Huizhuo , Liu Wentao , Fu Bo , Wang Kun , Wang Hanjie , Li Lizhu , Sheng Xing , Peng Hui , Ning Baoan , Yang Jiajia , Huang Xian
Published: June 2020

Simultaneous neuron stimulation and biophysiological sensing in multi‐encephalic regions can lead to profound understanding of neural pathways, neurotransmitter transportation, and nutrient metabolism. Here, a flexible electronic device with tentacle‐like channels radiating from a central wireless circuit is presented. The device is constructed by different organic and inorganic materials that have been made into thin‐film or nanoparticle formats. All channels have been equipped with flexible components for distributed and synchronized opto‐electrical stimulation, biopotential sensing, and ion concentration monitoring. They can be implanted into different brain regions through adaptive bending and individually addressed to follow programmable working sequences. Experimental results conducted in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated the capability in generating optical or electrical stimulation, while sensing 16‐channels biopotential and concentration of Ca2+, Na+, and K+ ions in distributed regions. Behavior and immunohistochemistry studies suggest potential applications in regulating brain functions for freely moving animals. In combination with various functional materials, the device can serve as a comprehensive research platform that can be modularized to accommodate different needs for brain studies, offering numerous possibilities and combinations to yield sophisticated neuromodulation and behavior regulation.
3D Bioprinting of Oxygenated Cell‐Laden Gelatin Methacryloyl Constructs
Authors: Erdem Ahmet , Darabi Mohammad Ali , Nasiri Rohollah , Sangabathuni Sivakoti , Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Alem Halima , Hosseini Vahid , Shamloo Amir , Nasr Ali S. , Ahadian Samad , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Khademhosseini Ali , Ashammakhi Nureddin
Published: June 2020

Cell survival during the early stages of transplantation and before new blood vessels formation is a major challenge in translational applications of 3D bioprinted tissues. Supplementing oxygen (O2) to transplanted cells via an O2 generating source such as calcium peroxide (CPO) is an attractive approach to ensure cell viability. Calcium peroxide also produces calcium hydroxide that reduces the viscosity of bioinks, which is a limiting factor for bioprinting. Therefore, adapting this solution into 3D bioprinting is of significant importance. In this study, a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) bioink that is optimized in terms of pH and viscosity is developed. The improved rheological properties lead to the production of a robust bioink suitable for 3D bioprinting and controlled O2 release. In addition, O2 release, bioprinting conditions, and mechanical performance of hydrogels having different CPO concentrations are characterized. As a proof of concept study, fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes are bioprinted using CPO containing GelMA bioink. Viability and metabolic activity of printed cells are checked after 7 days of culture under hypoxic condition. The results show that the addition of CPO improves the metabolic activity and viability of cells in bioprinted constructs under hypoxic condition.
Targeted Heating of Mitochondria Greatly Augments Nanoparticle‐Mediated Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Xu Jiangsheng , Shamul James G. , Wang Hai , Lin John , Agarwal Pranay , Sun Mingrui , Lu Xiongbin , Tkaczuk Katherine H. R. , He Xiaoming
Published: June 2020

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality globally. Various nanoparticles have been developed to improve the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and their combination for treating cancer. However, most of the existing nanoparticles are low in both subcellular precision and drug loading content (<≈5%), and the effect of targeted heating of subcellular organelles on the enhancement of chemotherapy has not been well explored. Here, a hybrid Py@Si‐TH nanoparticle is reported to first target cancer cells overexpressed with the variant CD44 via its natural ligand HA on the outermost surface of the nanoparticle before cellular uptake, and then target mitochondria after they are taken up inside cells. In addition, the nanoparticle is ultraefficient for encapsulating doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) to form Py@Si‐TH‐DOX nanoparticle. The encapsulation efficiency is ≈100% at the commonly used low feeding ratio of 1:20 (DOX:empty nanoparticle), and >80% at an ultrahigh feeding ratio of 1:1. In combination with near infrared (NIR, 808 nm) laser irradiation, the tumor weight in the Py@Si‐TH‐DOX treatment group is 8.5 times less than that in the Py@Si‐H‐DOX (i.e., DOX‐laden nanoparticles without mitochondrial targeting) group, suggesting targeted heating of mitochondria is a valuable strategy for enhancing chemotherapy to combat cancer.