bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Succession Planning and Leadership Development in a Faculty of Health Sciences
Authors: Ngcamu Bethuel Sibongiseni 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND: The challenges in the Faculty of Health Sciences in universities are unique and complex. These dynamic faculties require decisive and strong leadership, smooth systems and business processes, succession plans and development opportunities. These challenges in these faculties are exacerbated by the fact that the roles and responsibilities of the Heads of Departments are multifaceted. Those who are heading them are not acclimatising to the responsibilities because of the lack of support to develop and succeed in their positions. This study therefor seeks to determine challenges faced by the HoDs in the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the succession plans, competences and development programmes that are in place to develop future leadership talent in a university in South Africa.

METHODS: A single case study approach was employed whereby qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with nine HoDs and a faculty dean as well as the observation and document analysis. The grounded theory as an inductive process was used to categorise and code data where themes and trends emerged from the data.

RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from the data:

The university, faculty and departments within the faculty did not have succession plans while the strategic positions were occupied by post-retirees.
The Faculty did not have competent employees who could ascend to academic leadership positions in the faculty.
There was limited growth in the Faculty due to the absence of the developmental programmes.
There was a plethora of challenges including the shortage of office equipment, absence of the mentoring programmes, structural fragmentation and inefficiencies in the Human Resource Department (HRD).

CONCLUSIONS: A pervasive crisis was observed in this particular Faculty of Health Sciences during the turbulent times in universities. It is crucial for the HoDs to receive quality support from the administrative departments such as HRD in order for them to achieve the departmental objectives. The HoDs&rsquo; leadership capabilities and effectiveness can be enhanced by mainstreaming the human resources business systems, development, mentoring and coaching, as well as the implementation of well-coordinated succession plans.
AURKB: a promising biomarker in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wan Bangbei , Huang Yuan , Liu Bo , Lu Likui , Lv Cai 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundAurora kinase B (AURKB) is an important carcinogenic factor in various tumors, while its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) still remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate its prognostic value and mechanism of action in ccRCC.MethodsGene expression profiles and clinical data of ccRCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. R software was utilized to analyze the expression and prognostic role ofAURKBin ccRCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyzeAURKBrelated signaling pathways in ccRCC.ResultsAURKBwas expressed at higher levels in ccRCC tissues than normal kidney tissues. IncreasedAURKBexpression in ccRCC correlated with high histological grade, pathological stage, T stage, N stage and distant metastasis (M stage). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that highAURKBexpression patients had a worse prognosis than patients with lowAURKBexpression levels. Multivariate Cox analysis showed thatAURKBexpression is a prognostic factor of ccRCC. GSEA indicated that genes involved in autoimmune thyroid disease, intestinal immune network for IgA production, antigen processing and presentation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, asthma, etc., were differentially enriched in theAURKBhigh expression phenotype.ConclusionsAURKBis a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis of ccRCC patients and a potential therapeutic target. In addition,AURKBmight regulate progression of ccRCC through modulating intestinal immune network for IgA production and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, etc. signaling pathways. However, more research is necessary to validate the findings.
Comparison of Structural Defects between Optic Disc and Ganglion Cell Complex in Patients with Glaucoma
Authors: Georgalas Ilias , Taliantzis Sergios , Kazaki Maria , Papaconstantinou Eva , Panagiotopoulou Elina , Papaconstantinou Dimitris , Labiris Georgios 
Published: September 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the agreement of glaucomatous structural defects of the ganglion cell complex (GCC) detected with the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (sdOCT) with the optic nerve head alterations detected with the Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT), of glaucoma patients with ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma.
Material and Methods: Ninety patients eyes with structural glaucomatous defects were enrolled. All of them underwent imaging examination of GCC with sdOCT and the optic disk with HRT. The Cohen's kappa coefficient of agreement was used.
Results: The agreement between the optic disc and GCC using the parameters of the programs analysis of the HRT, the moorfields regression analysis (MRA) and glaucoma probability score (GPS) was not significant. Instead between MRA and GPS a good agreement was calculated. Significant agreements were found between MRA and GPS on one hand and GCC on the other, considering location and length of the glaucomatous damage, while non significant agreements were found between GPS and GCC for the location and the length of the glaucomatous structural defect.
Conclusions: There is no significance (Please explain further if you are referring to significance in terms of the difference, similarity or agreement) between HRT and sdOCT for the detection of the glaucomatous damage between the optic nerve head and the ganglion cell complex. Instead MRA and GCC detect comparable areas and lengths of the glaucomatous damage. On the other hand GPS records larger deficits relative to MRA and has not a significant agreement with the study of GCC.
A simulation‐based method for evaluating geometric tests of a linac c‐arm in quality control in radiotherapy
Authors: Baran Mateusz , Rzecki Krzysztof , Kabat Damian , Tulik Monika , Wydra Anna , Derda Zuzanna , Sochaczewska Agata , Tabor Zbisław 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPurposeAssessment of the accuracy of geometric tests of a linac used in external beam therapy is crucial for ensuring precise dose delivery. In this paper, a new simulation‐based method for assessing accuracy of such geometric tests is proposed and evaluated on a set of testing procedures.MethodsLinac geometry testing methods used in this study are based on an established design of a two‐module phantom. Electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images of fiducial balls contained in these modules can be used to automatically reconstruct linac geometry. The projection of the phantom modules fiducial balls onto the EPID detector plane is simulated for assumed nominal geometry of a linac. Then, random errors are added to the coordinates of the projections of the centers of the fiducial balls and the linac geometry is reconstructed from these data.ResultsReconstruction is performed for a set of geometric test designs and it is shown how the dispersion of the reconstructed values of geometric parameters depends on the design of a geometric test. Assuming realistic accuracy of EPID image analysis, it is shown that for selected testing plans the reconstruction accuracy of geometric parameters can be significantly better than commonly used action thresholds for these parameters.ConclusionsProposed solution has the potential to improve geometric testing design and practice. It is an important part of a fully automated geometric testing solution.
No effect of triheptanoin on exercise performance in McArdle disease
Authors: Madsen Karen L. , Laforêt Pascal , Buch Astrid E. , Stemmerik Mads G. , Ottolenghi Chris , Hatem Stéphane N. , Raaschou‐Pedersen Daniel T. , Poulsen Nanna S. , Atencio Maria , Luton Marie‐Pierre , Ceccaldi Alexandre , Haller Ronald G. , Quinlivan Ros , Mochel Fanny , Vissing John 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo study if treatment with triheptanoin, a 7‐carbon triglyceride, improves exercise tolerance in patients with McArdle disease. McArdle patients have a complete block in glycogenolysis and glycogen‐dependent expansion of tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), which may restrict fat oxidation. We hypothesized that triheptanoin metabolism generates substrates for the TCA, which potentially boosts fat oxidation and improves exercise tolerance in McArdle disease.MethodsDouble‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study in patients with McArdle disease completing two treatment periods of 14 days each with a triheptanoin or placebo diet (1 g/kg/day). Primary outcome was change in mean heart rate during 20 min submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer. Secondary outcomes were change in peak workload and oxygen uptake along with changes in blood metabolites and respiratory quotients.ResultsNineteen of 22 patients completed the trial. Malate levels rose on triheptanoin treatment versus placebo (8.0 ± SD2.3 vs. 5.5 ± SD1.8 µmol/L, P < 0.001), but dropped from rest to exercise (P < 0.001). There was no difference in exercise heart rates between triheptanoin (120 ± SD16 bpm) and placebo (121 ± SD16 bpm) treatments. Compared with placebo, triheptanoin did not change the submaximal respiratory quotient (0.82 ± SD0.05 vs. 0.84 ± SD0.03), peak workload (105 ± SD38 vs. 102 ± SD31 Watts), or peak oxygen uptake (1938 ± SD499 vs. 1977 ± SD380 mL/min).InterpretationDespite increased resting plasma malate with triheptanoin, the increase was insufficient to generate a normal TCA turnover during exercise and the treatment has no effect on exercise capacity or oxidative metabolism in patients with McArdle disease.
Burden of occupational morbidity from selected causes in the United States overall and by NORA industry sector, 2012: A conservative estimate
Authors: Groenewold Matthew , Brown Linda , Smith Emily , Haring Sweeney Marie , Pana‐Cryan Rene , Schnorr Theresa 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundTimely and reliable national estimates of the occurrence of occupational injury and illness are needed to monitor the burden of occupational morbidity and mortality, establish research and intervention priorities, and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of prevention efforts.MethodsWe provide updated estimates of morbidity from occupational injuries and selected illnesses, using current general population incidence rates, the proportion of the general public with a particular workplace exposure, and the relative risk of illness from that exposure. We provide estimates for the total U.S. working population and for specific industry sectors.ResultsWe estimate that, in 2012, between 5 712 362 and 5 961 620 total occupational cases, including 0.7 to 1.0 million incident illnesses and 5.0 million injuries, occurred in the United States.ConclusionThe variety of disparate data sources and methods required to compile these estimates highlight the need for more comprehensive and compatible occupational health surveillance in the United States.
Loss of CLTRN function produces a neuropsychiatric disorder and a biochemical phenotype that mimics Hartnup disease
Authors: Pillai Nishitha R. , Yubero Delia , Shayota Brian J. , Oyarzábal Alfonso , Ghosh Rajarshi , Sun Qin , Azamian Mahshid S. , Arjona Cesar , Brandi Núria , Palau Francesc , Lalani Seema R. , Artuch Rafael , García‐Cazorla Angeles , Scott Daryl A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHartnup disease is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by neutral aminoaciduria and behavioral problems. It is caused by a loss of B0AT1, a neutral amino acid transporter in the kidney and intestine. CLTRN encodes the protein collectrin that functions in the transportation and activation of B0AT1 in the renal apical brush bordered epithelium. Collectrin deficient mice have severe aminoaciduria. However, the phenotype associated with collectrin deficiency in humans has not been reported. Here we report two patients, an 11‐year‐old male who is hemizygous for a small, interstitial deletion on Xp22.2 that encompasses CLTRN and a 22‐year‐old male with a deletion spanning exons 1 to 3 of CLTRN. Both of them present with neuropsychiatric phenotypes including autistic features, anxiety, depression, compulsions, and motor tics, as well as neutral aminoaciduria leading to a clinical diagnosis of Hartnup disease and treatment with niacin supplementation. Plasma amino acids were normal in both patients. One patient had low 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels, a serotoninergic metabolite. We explored the expression of collectrin in the murine brain and found it to be particularly abundant in the hippocampus, brainstem, and cerebellum. We propose that collectrin deficiency in humans can be associated with aminoaciduria and a clinical picture similar to that seen in Hartnup disease. Further studies are needed to explore the role of collectrin deficiency in the neurological phenotypes.
Density and distribution of western chimpanzees around a bauxite deposit in the Boé Sector, Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Dias Filipe S. , Wenceslau José F. C. , Marques Tiago A. , Miller David L. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Boé sector in southeast Guinea‐Bissau harbors a population of western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) that inhabits a mosaic of forest and savanna. The Boé sector contains a substantial bauxite deposit in a region called Ronde Hill, and there are plans for the construction of a mine, which may endanger the chimpanzee population. In 1‐week survey in May 2013, we used the standing crop nest counts method to obtain the number of chimpanzee nests and from that estimate the density and abundance of chimpanzees. We carried out five 1‐km line transects that covered the bauxite deposit and surrounding valleys. We used density surface modeling to analyze habitat preferences, then predicted chimpanzee nest density and distribution based on environmental variables. We found the projected location of the mine partially coincides with an area of high predicted abundances of chimpanzee nests and is surrounded by highly suitable areas for chimpanzees (northeast and southwest). We conclude the mine could have significant direct and indirect effects on this population of chimpanzees whose impacts must be carefully considered and properly mitigated if the mine is built.
Can Paraplegia by Disruption of the Spinal Cord Tissue Be Reversed? The Signs of a New Perspective
Authors: Branco Érika , Alves José G.R. , Pinheiro Luane L. , Coutinho Leandro N. , Gomes Carolina R.M. , Galvão Gilvando R. , de Oliveira Dos Santos Glaucia R. , Moreira Luiz F.M. , David Maridelzira B.M. , Martins Danielle M. , de Oliveira Edivaldo H.C. , de Souza Michel P.C. , Beltrão‐Braga Patrícia C.B. , Russo Fabiele B. , Pignatari Graciela C. , de Carvalho Miranda Carla M.F. , de Lima Ana R. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTCentral nervous system (CNS) trauma is often related to tissue loss, leading to partial or complete disruption of spinal cord function due to neuronal death. Although generally irreversible, traditional therapeutic efforts, such as physical therapy exercises, are generally recommended, but with a poor or reduced improvement of the microenvironment, which in turn stimulates neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have paracrine, immunomodulatory, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Here we use stem cells to see if they can promote not only physical but also the functional regeneration of neuronal tissue in dogs with CNS traumas. Two dogs, one with chronic spinal cord injury and one with subacute spinal cord injury, underwent infusion of autologous MSCs in association with physiotherapy. The two treatments in combination were able to partially or completely recover the dog's walking movement again. The treatment of MSCs in association with physical therapy improved the microenvironment, which could be evidence of a paradigm shift that the CNS is not capable of functional regeneration after aggressive traumas. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1812–1820, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Ginkgolide B and bilobalide promote the growth and increase β‐catenin expression in hair follicle dermal papilla cells of American minks
Authors: Zhang Haihua , Shi Qiumei , Nan Weixiao , Wang Yaqi , Wang Shiyong , Yang Fuhe , Li Guangyu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe regeneration of proliferation potential of dermal papilla (DP) cells contributes to the treatment of hair loss disorders. Ginkgolide B (GKB) and bilobalide (BB) are two functional components isolated from Ginkgo biloba that can promote hair growth. In the current study, the effect of GKB or BB on DP cell viability and the related signaling was assessed. Hair follicles were isolated from minks, and the growth of hair follicles was measured under the administration of GKB or BB. DP cells isolated from minks were also subjected to GKB or BB. The administration of GKB or BB induced the growth of hair follicles. The viability of DP cells was also increased by GKB or BB as illustrated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and flow cytometry detection. Moreover, the secretion of VEGF was enhanced by GKB or BB. At molecular level, the activities of Akt, ERK1/2, and β‐catenin were induced by GKB, whereas BB only increased the activities of Akt and β‐catenin. In conclusion, although the two components influenced the β‐catenin signaling activity in distinct mechanisms, they both increased the viability of DP cells and promoted the cycle of hair follicles.
Probing and Engineering the Fatty Acyl Substrate Selectivity of Starter Condensation Domains of Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases in Lipopeptide Biosynthesis
Authors: Liu Qian , Fan Wenjie , Zhao Yajin , Deng Zixin , Feng Yan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLipopeptides are produced by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and contain diverse fatty acyl moieties that are major determinants of antibiotic potency. The lipid chains are incorporated into peptidyl backbones via lipoinitiation, a process comprising free fatty acid activation and the subsequent starter condensation domain (C1)‐catalyzed conjugation of fatty acyl moieties onto the aminoacyl substrates. Thus, a thorough understanding of lipoinitiation biocatalysts would significantly expand their potential to produce novel antibiotics. Here, biochemical assays, in silico analysis, and mutagenesis studies are used to ultimately identify the specific amino acid residues that control the fatty acyl substrate selectivity of C1 in lipopeptide A54145. In silico docking study has identified four candidate amino acids, and subsequent in vitro assays confirmed their functional contribution to the channel that controls substrate selectivity. Two engineered variants with single point mutations in C1 are found to alter the substrate selectivity toward nonnatural fatty acyl substrates. The detailed mechanistic insights into the catalytic contribution of C1 obtained from the present study will facilitate future NPRS biocatalyst efforts
Music notes to amino acid sequence: A STEAM approach to study protein structure
Authors: Acan Sinan Can , Acan Naciye Leyla 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRecently, manuscripts that use bioinformatics tools to convert proteins and other biological materials into music have appeared in several journals. The authors claim that this type of studies adds joy to education of life sciences and attract public attention to biochemistry education along with other uses. We thought the reverse of the process might also be possible for the purpose. We converted notes into amino acids depending on the decreasing hydrophobicity and by using the famous nursery song “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” notes, a hypothetical protein sequence was obtained. Three‐dimensional structures were modeled by I‐Tasser Protein Structure and Function Prediction server and the structure of the possible models were investigated. This Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) approach may bring fun to protein structure education. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(6):669–671, 2019.
Decision Making for Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation in Surgically Facilitated Orthodontics
Authors: Dounis Thanos , Pitman Lillie M. 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionThe purpose of this article is to present a decision‐making algorithm for soft and hard tissue augmentation in surgically facilitated orthodontics (SFOT).Focused clinical questionWhat type of hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended in surgically facilitated orthodontics (SFOT)?SummaryIn cases where there is adequate hard and soft tissue envelope, selective corticotomies may be adequate. In cases where the existing hard and soft tissue anatomy is inadequate, hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended. Also, hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended to avoid teeth extractions during orthodontics.ConclusionThis decision‐making process allows the clinician to select between hard and soft tissue augmentation protocols based on projected tooth movement as well as existing soft and hard tissue architecture in SFOT cases.
Effects of different cooking and drying methods on phenolic acids, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity of emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum) bulgur
Authors: Yilmaz Volkan Arif 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesEmmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum) is an ancient hulled wheat with a high amount of nutrient and bioactive compounds. This study was aimed to investigate the changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of the emmer bulgurs produced by combinations of three cooking (traditional, autoclave, and microwave) and two drying (hot air and microwave) methods. The total polyphenol, carotenoid, antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power), and soluble‐free (SF), soluble‐conjugated (SC) and insoluble‐bound (IB) phenolic acid contents were determined.FindingsBioactive compounds and antioxidant activity decreased significantly in all bulgur production methods compared to emmer wheat. SF and SC phenolic acids of the bulgur samples decreased much more than IB phenolic acids, due to the better thermal stability of IB fraction. While microwave cooking was found to have a positive effect, microwave drying had a negative effect on preserving natural bioactive compounds.ConclusionsThe bulgur preparation method that most preserved the bioactive compounds was microwave cooking + hot air drying, followed by autoclave cooking + hot air.Significance and noveltyAs a primitive species, emmer is a valuable raw material with a growing interest in its properties and products. This is the first study aimed to compare the effects of several production methods on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of emmer bulgur.