Assessing Communities of Practice in health policy : A conceptual framework as a first step towards empirical research

Peer reviewe

52 Genetic Loci Influencing Myocardial Mass.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial mass is a key determinant of cardiac muscle function and hypertrophy. Myocardial depolarization leading to cardiac muscle contraction is reflected by the amplitude and duration of the QRS complex on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Abnormal QRS amplitude or duration reflect changes in myocardial mass and conduction, and are associated with increased risk of heart failure and death. OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis sought to gain insights into the genetic determinants of myocardial mass. METHODS: We carried out a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 4 QRS traits in up to 73,518 individuals of European ancestry, followed by extensive biological and functional assessment. RESULTS: We identified 52 genomic loci, of which 32 are novel, that are reliably associated with 1 or more QRS phenotypes at p < 1 × 10(-8). These loci are enriched in regions of open chromatin, histone modifications, and transcription factor binding, suggesting that they represent regions of the genome that are actively transcribed in the human heart. Pathway analyses provided evidence that these loci play a role in cardiac hypertrophy. We further highlighted 67 candidate genes at the identified loci that are preferentially expressed in cardiac tissue and associated with cardiac abnormalities in Drosophila melanogaster and Mus musculus. We validated the regulatory function of a novel variant in the SCN5A/SCN10A locus in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings provide new insights into genes and biological pathways controlling myocardial mass and may help identify novel therapeutic targets

Impact of internet of things (IoT) in disaster management: a task-technology fit perspective

YesDisaster management aims to mitigate the potential damage from the disasters, ensure immediate and suitable assistance to the victims, and attain effective and rapid recovery. These objectives require a planned and effective rescue operation post such disasters. Different types of information about the impact of the disaster are, hence, required for planning an effective and immediate relief operation. The IoT technology available today is quite mature and has the potential to be very useful in disaster situations. This paper analyzes the requirements for planning rescue operation for such natural disasters and proposes an IoT based solution to cater the identified requirements. The proposed solution is further validated using the task-technology fit (TTF) approach for analyzing the significance of the adoption of IoT technology for disaster management. Results from the exploratory study established the core dimensions of the task requirements and the TTF constructs. Results from the confirmatory factor analysis using PLS path modelling, further, suggest that both task requirements and IoT technology have significant impact on the IoT TTF in the disaster management scenario. This paper makes significant contributions in the development of appropriate constructs for modeling TTF for IoT Technology in the context of disaster management

GCMS and FTIR Spectroscopy Characterization of Luffa Cylindrica Seed Oil and Biodiesel Produced from the oil

Communication in Physical Sciences 2020, 5(3): 378-390 Authors: Godwin J. Udo, Usoro M. Etesin, Joachim J. Awaka-Ama, Aniedi E. Nyong, Emaime J. Uwanta Received 25 April 2020/Accepted 04 July 2020 The need for replacement of fossil fuel with more efficient fuels that are eco-friendly and renewable (biodiesel) was the basis for the present study. Luffa cylindrica seed oil (LCSO) was extracted through solvent extraction using petroleum ether as a solvent between 60 and 80 C The produced oil was used for the production of biodiesel (LCBD) via two-stage transesterification. The percentage yield of the extracted oil and biodiesel were 17.3 and 18.8 % respectively. The physico-chemical properties were within ASTM recommended values, indicating a quality fuel production. GC-MS chromatograms of LCSO and LCBD indicated the presence of acridine,9-anilino acid, 11-octadecanoic acid, (methyl ester), methyl stearate and benz (a) anthracene, 6,7,12-trimethyl, 15-octadecanoic acid, methyl ester, methyl stearate, eicosanoic acid, serine methyl ester, and N-[2-oxo-4-phenylbutyryl]. Also, IR spectroscopy analyses of LCSO and LCBD revealed the presence of O-H, C-H, C=O, O-C, =C-H and C-N in LCSO and N-H, O-H, C-H, C=O, C-O, C-N, =C-H stretches in LCBD. The study drew results and findings and concluded that Luffa cylindricaseed oil is an excellent feed stock for the production of biodiesel.&nbsp

Two cases of large retroperitoneal schwannoma treated with minimally invasive surgery. Role of the gynecologic oncologist

Background. Schwannomas are neurogenic tumors originating in the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Methods. This paper describes two consecutive cases of retroperitoneal pelvic schwannomas and review the current understanding and management in this unusual location by a team of gynecologist oncologists. Results. Minimally invasive surgical removal of retroperitoneal schwannomas is feasible, surgeons and patients must be aware of the possible early and long term collaterals. Conclusion. Gynecologist oncologists are the professional figure who is perhaps best placed for removing lumps from the retroperitoneal space because of familiarity with the structures involved in the dissection. We describe the challenges involved in preoperative diagnosis and minimally invasive management