bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rickettsiae in the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) and the bat soft tick Argas vespertilionis (Ixodida: Argasidae)
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Yang Meihua , Liu Gang , Hornok Sándor , Zhao Shanshan , Sang Chunli , Tan Wenbo , Wang Yuanzhi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Increasing molecular evidence supports that bats and/or their ectoparasites may harbor vector-borne bacteria, such as bartonellae and borreliae. However, the simultaneous occurrence of rickettsiae in bats and bat ticks has been poorly studied.

Methods
In this study, 54 bat carcasses and their infesting soft ticks (n = 67) were collected in Shihezi City, northwestern China. The heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, small intestine and large intestine of bats were dissected, followed by DNA extraction. Soft ticks were identified both morphologically and molecularly. All samples were examined for the presence of rickettsiae by amplifying four genetic markers (17-kDa, gltA, ompA and ompB).

Results
All bats were identified as Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and their ticks as Argas vespertilionis. Molecular analyses showed that DNA of Rickettsia parkeri, R. lusitaniae, R. slovaca and R. raoultii was present in bat organs/tissues. In addition, nine of the 67 bat soft ticks (13.43%) were positive for R. raoultii (n = 5) and R. rickettsii (n = 4). In the phylogenetic analysis, these bat-associated rickettsiae clustered together with conspecific sequences reported from other host and tick species, confirming the above results.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, DNA of R. parkeri, R. slovaca and R. raoultii was detected for the first time in bat organs/tissues. This is also the first molecular evidence for the presence of R. raoultii and R. rickettsii in bat ticks. To our knowledge, R. parkeri was not known to occur in Asia. Our results highlight the need to assess rickettsial agents in a broader range of bat species and associated tick species.
IGF-1 enhances BMSC viability, migration, and anti-apoptosis in myocardial infarction via secreted frizzled-related protein 2 pathway
Authors: Lin Mingzhuo , Liu Xinyue , Zheng Haoxiao , Huang Xiaohui , Wu Yu , Huang Anqing , Zhu Hailan , Hu Yunzhao , Mai Weiyi , Huang Yuli 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation represents a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic heart disease. However, its effects are hampered by the poor viability of transplanted cells and the hostile microenvironment of the ischemic region. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important paracrine growth factor of BMSC and plays an important role in the properties of BMSC. Here, we investigated whether overexpressing IGF-1 could enhance the BMSC viability, migration, anti-apoptosis, and protective effects of cardiomyocytes, and explore the underlying mechanisms’ focus on the role of the AKT/secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2)/β-catenin pathway.

Methods
We constructed BMSCs overexpressing insulin-like growth factor-1 (BMSCs-IGF-1) or empty vector (BMSCs-NC) using lentivirus, and evaluated cell survival, proliferation, and migration under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Co-culture of rat cardiomyoblasts with BMSCs was performed to explore the paracrine effect of BMSCs-IGF-1 for rescuing cardiomyoblasts under hypoxia. Transplantation of BMSCs in acute myocardial infarction rats was used to explore the effect of BMSCs-IGF-1 therapy.

Results
BMSCs-IGF-1 exhibited a higher cell proliferation rate, migration capacity, and stemness, and were more resistant to apoptosis under hypoxia. Overexpression of IGF-1 upregulated the expression of total and nuclear β-catenin via the AKT-secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) pathway, which enhanced cell survival. Inhibition of AKT or SFRP2 knockdown by siRNA significantly antagonized the effect of IGF-1 and decreased the expression of β-catenin. The expression of β-catenin target genes, including cyclin D1 and c-Myc, were accordingly decreased. Moreover, BMSCs-IGF-1 could rescue cardiomyoblasts from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and preserve cell viability under hypoxia. Transplantation of BMSCs-IGF-1 into myocardial infarction rats greatly reduced infarct volume than BMSCs-NC, with significantly greater expression of SFRP2 and β-catenin.

Conclusions
These results suggest that in BMSCs overexpressing IGF-1, SFRP2 is an important mediator for the enhancement of stem cell viability via activating, rather than antagonizing, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Boundedness of solutions and stability of certain second-order difference equation with quadratic term
Authors: Bešo Emin , Kalabušić Senada , Mujić Naida , Pilav Esmir 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe consider the second-order rational difference equation
$$ {x_{n+1}=\gamma +\delta \frac{x_{n}}{x^{2}_{n-1}}}, $$xn+1=γ+δxnxn−12, where γ, δ are positive real numbers and the initial conditions $x_{-1}$x−1 and $x_{0}$x0 are positive real numbers. Boundedness along with global attractivity and Neimark–Sacker bifurcation results are established. Furthermore, we give an asymptotic approximation of the invariant curve near the equilibrium point.
The impact of gamification on students’ learning, engagement and behavior based on their personality traits
Authors: Smiderle Rodrigo , Rigo Sandro José , Marques Leonardo B. , Peçanha de Miranda Coelho Jorge Arthur , Jaques Patricia A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe gamification of education can enhance levels of students’ engagement similar to what games can do, to improve their particular skills and optimize their learning. On the other hand, scientific studies have shown adverse outcomes based on the user’s preferences. The link among the user’s characteristics, executed actions, and the game elements is still an open question. Aiming to find some insights for this issue, we have investigated the effects of gamification on students’ learning, behavior, and engagement based on their personality traits in a web-based programming learning environment. We have conducted an experiment for four months with 40 undergraduate students of first-year courses on programming. Students were randomly assigned to one of the two versions of the programming learning environment: a gamified version composed of ranking, points, and badges and the original non-gamified version. We have found evidence that gamification affected users in distinct ways based on their personality traits. Our results indicate that the effect of gamification depends on the specific characteristics of users.First part title: Studying the impact of gamification on learning and engagement based on the personality traits of students
Genetic characterization of Stargardt clinical phenotype in South Indian patients using sanger and targeted sequencing
Authors: Raj Rajendran Kadarkarai , Dhoble Pankaja , Anjanamurthy Rupa , Chermakani Prakash , Kumaran Manojkumar , Devarajan Bharanidharan , Sundaresan Periasamy 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Stargardt disease 1 (STGD1; MIM 248200) is a monogenic form of autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutation in ABCA4. This gene has a major role in hydrolyzing N-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine to all-trans-retinal and phosphatidylethanolamine. The purpose of this study is to identify the frequency of putative disease-causing mutations associated with Stargardt disease in a South Indian population.

Methods
A total of 28 clinically diagnosed Stargardt-like phenotype patients were recruited from south India. Ophthalmic examination of all patients was carefully carried out by a retina specialist based on the stages of fundus imaging and ERG grouping. Genetic analysis of ABCA4 was performed for all patients using Sanger sequencing and clinical exome sequencing.

Results
This study identified disease-causing mutations in ABCA4 in 75% (21/28) of patients, 7% (2/28) exhibited benign variants and 18% (5/28) were negative for the disease-causing mutation.

Conclusion
This is the first study describing the genetic association of ABCA4 disease-causing mutation in South Indian Stargardt 1 patients (STGD1). Our findings highlighted the presence of two novel missense mutations and an (in/del, single base pair deletion & splice variant) in ABCA4. However, genetic heterogeneity in ABCA4 mutants requires a larger sample size to establish a true correlation with clinical phenotype.
Synchronous NET and colorectal cancer development: a case report
Authors: Yumoto Shinsei , Miyamoto Yuji , Akiyama Takahiko , Kiyozumi Yuki , Eto Kojiro , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Nagai Yohei , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Baba Yoshifumi , Iwagami Shiro , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The incidence of synchronous gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs) and colorectal cancer is very low.

Case presentation
We present a 72-year-old man diagnosed with a rectal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) with multiple organ metastases and simultaneous sigmoid colon cancer. Although the NET was his prognostic factor, he underwent a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy at first because it was expected that the colon cancer would cause obstruction or bleeding during NET treatment. Subsequently, he started taking everolimus.

Conclusions
We should consider surgical resection of the synchronous cancer before systemic therapy for a GI-NET regardless of the difference in prognosis between synchronous tumors, if the cancer may impair the continuation of systemic therapy.
Adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Morgan Howard E. , Sher David J. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Although there have been dramatic improvements in radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including robust intensity modulation and daily image guidance, these advances are not able to account for inherent structural and spatial changes that may occur during treatment. Many sources have reported volume reductions in the primary target, nodal volumes, and parotid glands over treatment, which may result in unintended dosimetric changes affecting the side effect profile and even efficacy of the treatment. Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) is an exciting treatment paradigm that has been developed to directly adjust for these changes.

Main body
Adaptive radiotherapy may be divided into two categories: anatomy-adapted (A-ART) and response-adapted ART (R-ART). Anatomy-adapted ART is the process of re-planning patients based on structural and spatial changes occurring over treatment, with the intent of reducing overdosage of sensitive structures such as the parotids, improving dose homogeneity, and preserving coverage of the target. In contrast, response-adapted ART is the process of re-planning patients based on response to treatment, such that the target and/or dose changes as a function of interim imaging during treatment, with the intent of dose escalating persistent disease and/or de-escalating surrounding normal tissue. The impact of R-ART on local control and toxicity outcomes is actively being investigated in several currently accruing trials.

Conclusions
Anatomy-adapted ART is a promising modality to improve rates of xerostomia and coverage in individuals who experience significant volumetric changes during radiation, while R-ART is currently being studied to assess its utility in either dose escalation of radioresistant disease, or de-intensification of surrounding normal tissue following treatment response. In this paper, we will review the existing literature and recent advances regarding A-ART and R-ART.
Uncommon complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery: review of four cases and literature review
Authors: Koko Aliyu Muhammad , Ismail Nasiru Jinjiri , Lasseini Ali , Saddiku Sahabi M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is one of the most popular cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures worldwide. Complications are common, but uncommon complications are rarely reported in the literature making a standardized guideline on management of unusual complications unavailable. We report this series of uncommon complications managed in our centre to share our experience and contribute to the pool of literature on the management of these weird complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Case presentation
The first case was a 10-year-old girl who presented with headache, early morning vomiting and itching over the tract of the shunt in the neck. She has had ventriculoperitoneal shunt and excision and repair of encephalocele at the age of 3 months in our facility. On physical examination, she was conscious with a Glasgow coma score of 15, and shunt valve was hardened. She had removal of the shunt with intraoperative finding of calcified shunt tubing and the valve, and also cerebrospinal fluid was under high pressure that warranted re-insertion of another medium pressure shunt. She remained stable at last follow-up 3 months post-surgery.
We managed two cases of shunt extrusion via the anus (a 1-year-old female infant and 9-year-old boy). None of the patients presented with evidence of peritonitis or shunt tract infection. The extruded shunts were removed under aseptic technique, and both patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunt re-inserted because of progression of hydrocephalus. They remained stable at last follow-up visits 6 months after surgery.
The fourth case was a 9-month-old infant that presented with shunt extrusion via the abdominal wound site 3 weeks after ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure. The child developed an abscess at the abdominal wound that ruptures spontaneously with extrusion of distal catheter, had no features of peritonitis and had shunt removed and re-inserted after 3 months. The child has remained stable.

Conclusion
Although ventriculoperitoneal shunt calcification and extrusion are rare, they do occur. None of our patients had peritonitis. Shunt removal and subsequent reinsertion in the presence of raised intracranial pressure from hydrocephalus confirms an excellent outcome.
Measurement of cumulative radiation exposure to children and adolescents in contact with outpatients treated with low dose radioactive iodine (131I)
Authors: Salman Khaled , Wagieh Shereen , Bakhsh Aquib , Al-Monshy Tarek , Talaat Omnia , Al-Malki Musaed , Al-Ezzi Manal , Fouda Ashraf , Hamid Gihad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Radiation exposure from patients treated with radioactive iodine (131I) represents a radiation hazard to children and adolescents, representing the most vulnerable group of household contacts. Our aim was to calculate the cumulative radiation exposure (CRE) figures to children and adolescents sharing the same home with outpatients treated with low-dose 131I. The secondary aim was to study the demographic and educational factors that may significantly affect radiation exposure to them.

Results
The whole number of household contacts less than 18 years was 99, out of them 49 ≤ 12 years. CRE level to children and adolescents ranged from 79 to 934 uSv. The mean, median, and 75th percentile figures were 284 ± 178 uSv, 215 uSv, and 334 uSv, respectively. The compliance of this group of contacts to radiation exposure constraint (1 mSv) was 100%. All CRE values were below this figure with 75% of them below half of this constraint. Thirteen adolescents from 12 to 18 years and 17 mothers of 23 household contacts ≤ 12 years got radiation safety instructions (RSI) directly from a radiation safety officer (RSO). This group had a significantly lower mean CRE value (184 ± 93 uSv) compared to those who got RSI from the patient or from other family members (298 ± 185 uSv) with a significant p value.

Conclusion
The compliance of adolescents and children to the 1-mSv radiation exposure constraint is 100%. It is advised for adolescents and mothers of children in contact with 131I-treated patients to get direct RSI from the RSO, which is the only factor associated with significantly lower radiation exposure figures.
Radiological evaluation of deep soft tissue fibromatosis, the characteristic MR criteria on conventional and corresponding diffusion-weighted images
Authors: Zeitoun Rania , Khafagy Sarah Maged , Mahmoud Ikram Hamed , El-Wahab Nagui Mohamed Abd 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
To analyze the characteristic features of deep fibromatosis on conventional and diffusion-weighted MR images.

Result
The lesions were growing along the musculoaponeurotic fascia, mostly invaded the muscles, and showed ill-defined margins, low T2 signal bands and areas, and facial tail sign. Diffusion images showed mostly high or high mixed with low signal; only 2 lesions showed a persistent low signal. The average mean and minimum ADC values were 1.41 ± 0.26 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.79 ± 0.43 × 10−3 mm2/s respectively. Post-contrast and DWI detected synchronous lesions and extensions missed on T1 and T2 images.

Conclusion
The most frequent MR features of deep fibromatosis are low T2 signal bands and areas, fascial tail sign, ill or partially defined margins, and predominant restricted diffusion pattern in addition to areas of “T2-blackout effect.” Post-contrast and DWI are more valuable in local staging of the tumor.
Practical interval type-2 fuzzy self-tuning of PID controller to servo permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Abdel Ghany M. A. , Bahgat M. E. , Refaey W. M. , Sharaf Soliman 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper implements a practical interval type-2 fuzzy self-tuning (IT2FST) of optimal PID (OPID) controller to servo permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM). The proposed method IT2FST updates the OPID controller gains in an online manner to drive the SPMSM with better speed response during variable load and parameter uncertainty occurrence. In this work, the industrial SPMSM system comprises three-phase PMSM with internal break, drive and mechanical parts. Due to the incomplete real information of the SPMSM, nonlinear least square algorithm has been utilized for its model identification. A comparative analysis in a real time of the SPMSM with an OPID, type-1 fuzzy self-tuning and IT2FST for OPID controllers under the influence of parameter uncertainties and external load disturbances has been carried out. The real-time practical implementation results illustrated that the proposed IT2FST of OPID controller gives a simple opportunity to enhance the speed performance of the SPMSM than the other controllers.
Effect of birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding and growth in infancy on fat mass and fat free mass indices in early adolescence: an analysis of the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study (EMaBs) cohort
Authors: Nsamba Jonathan , Lule Swaib A. , Namara Benigna , Zziwa Christopher , Akurut Hellen , Lubyayi Lawrence , Akello Florence , Tumusiime Josephine , Elliott Alison M. , Webb Emily L. 
Published: January 2020

Background: There is limited data from Africa on the effect of pre- and post-natal growth and infant feeding on later body composition. This study's aim was to investigate the effect of birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding and infant growth on adolescent body composition, using data from a Ugandan birth cohort. Methods: Data was collected prenatally from pregnant women and prospectively from their resulting live offspring. Data on body composition (fat mass index [FMI] and fat free mass index [FFMI]) was collected from 10- and 11-year olds. Linear regression was used to assess the effect of birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding and infant growth on FMI and FFMI, adjusting for confounders. Results: 177 adolescents with a median age of 10.1 years were included in analysis, with mean FMI 2.9 kg/m2 (standard deviation (SD) 1.2), mean FFMI 12.8 kg/m2 (SD 1.4) and mean birth weight 3.2 kg (SD 0.5). 90 (50.9%) were male and 110 (63.2%) were exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks of age. Birth weight was associated with FMI in adolescence (regression coefficient β= 0.66 per kg increase in birth weight, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.04, 1.29), P=0.02), while exclusive breastfeeding (β= -0.43, 95% CI (-1.06, 0.19), P=0.12), growth 0-6 months (β= 0.24 95% CI (-0.43, 0.92), P=0.48) and growth 6-12 months (β= 0.61, 95% CI (-0.23, 1.46), P=0.11) were not associated with FMI among adolescents. Birth weight (β= 0.91, 95% CI (0.17, 1.65), P=0.01) was associated with FFMI in adolescence. Exclusive breastfeeding (β= 0.17, 95% CI (-0.60, 0.94), P=0.62), growth 0-6 months (β= 0.56, 95% CI (-0.20, 1.33), P= 0.10), and growth 6-12 months (β= -0.02, 95% CI (-1.02, 0.99), P=0.97) were not associated with FFMI. Conclusions: Birth weight predicted body composition parameters in Ugandan early adolescents, however, exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks of age and growth in infancy did not.
Matching and Winning? The Impact of Upper and Middle Managers on Firm Performance in Major League Baseball
Authors: Peeters Thomas L. P. R. , Salaga Steven , Juravich Matthew 
Published: January 2020

We investigate the joint impact of managers at different hierarchical levels on firm performance in Major League Baseball. We separately quantify the contribution of upper and middle managers and the impact of their match quality—the degree to which managers cooperate effectively across layers to impact firm success. We establish that match quality is a statistically significant and economically meaningful driver of firm performance. Higher-quality managers tend to be matched together across levels and achieve higher match quality during their joint employment. Match quality does not improve over the length of a joint employment spell, but lower match quality is found in pairs with more divergent educational attainment and prior strategic approaches. Hence, match quality is partly innate, and manager pairings may have difficulty improving their cooperation through learning. When we control for match quality, we find significantly lower estimates of heterogeneity in manager ability compared with commonly used estimators of managerial impact. Still, both middle and upper managers retain a meaningful impact on firm performance. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF AN ORGANIC-COOLED SMALL NUCLEAR REACTOR TO SUPPORT ENERGY DEMANDS IN REMOTE LOCATIONS IN NORTHERN CANADA
Authors: Shannon Colin , Chan Paul , Bonin H.W. 
Published: January 2020

Small nuclear reactors can offer safe, reliable, and long-lasting district heating and electrical power generation to remote locations in northern Canada. A conceptual design of an organic-cooled and moderated reactor based upon the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor is proposed for potential employment in northern Canada. For viability, this design extends the SLOWPOKE-2’s power to 1 MWth. An added pump circulates the organic coolant, a partially hydrogenated terphenyl mixture known as HB-40, to facilitate greater heat transfer. The reactor incorporates the same low-enriched uranium dioxide fuel as the SLOWPOKE-2. Reactor control is accomplished through hafnium absorber rods and a movable beryllium reflector. The reactor neutronics are simulated using the deterministic code, WIMS-AECL, and the probabilistic code, MCNP 6. The service life of fuel in this reactor operating at full power exceeds 11 years. The conceptual design has demonstrated negative reactivity coefficients indicating strong potential for inherent safety.