bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of virtual bronchoscopic navigation combined with endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial lung biopsy for solitary pulmonary nodules
Authors: Xu Chunhua , Yuan Qi , Wang Yuchao , Wang Wei , Chi Chuanzhen , Zhang Qian , Yu Like , Zhang Xiuwei
Published: February 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) combined with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transbronchial lung biopsy for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN).

Methods:

A total of 115 patients with suspected SPN who underwent transbronchial lung biopsy were evaluated. The patients were randomly divided into an EBUS (EBUS) group and a virtual bronchoscopic navigation combined with endobronchial ultrasound (VBN+EBUS) group. The diagnostic yield and examination time were compared.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield between the VBN+EBUS group and the EBUS group (83.6% vs 66.7%, P = .419). When the lesions less than 20 mm in diameter of the lesions were analyzed, the diagnostic yield was higher in the VBN+EBUS group than in the EBUS group (80.0% vs 53.6%, P = .041). The time for positioning lesions in VBN+EBUS group was less than that in EBUS group (5.67 ± 2.48 min vs 8.65 ± 2.23 min, P = .015). But the total examination time was not significantly different between the 2 groups (20.59 ± 2.12 min vs 21.53 ± 1.62 min, P = .236). The incidence of complications did not differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, VBN can shorten the positioning time and it is a safe and effective technique for pulmonary nodules.
The triad of diabetes ketoacidosis, hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis. How does it affect mortality and morbidity?
Authors: Simons-Linares C. Roberto , Jang Sunguk , Sanaka Madhusudan , Bhatt Amit , Lopez Rocio , Vargo John , Stevens Tyler , Chahal Prabhleen
Published: February 2019

The triad of acute pancreatitis (AP) coexisting with diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) has been reported, but no impact on mortality has been found to date. We aim to assess if patients with this triad are at a higher inpatient mortality compared to patients with acute pancreatitis only.

Retrospective cohort. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2003 to 2013 was queried for patients with a discharge diagnosis of AP and presence of DKA and HTG was ascertained based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD9) codes. Adjusted for age, gender, race, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), median income quartile, and hospital characteristics.

Over 2.8 million AP patients were analyzed. When compared with patients with AP-only, patients with the triad of AP + DKA + HTG had higher inpatient mortality (aOR 2.8, P < .001; CI: 1.9 - 4.2), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) (aOR 4.1, P < .001; CI: 3.6-4.6), Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) (aOR 4.9, P < .001), Shock (aOR 4.3, P < .001), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (aOR 3.0, P < .001), sepsis (aOR 2.6, P < .001), ileus (aOR 2.1, P < .001), parenteral nutrition requirement (aOR 1.8, P < .001), inflation-adjusted hospital charges (US$ 17,704.1), and had longer length of stay (LOS) (aOR 2.0, P < .001; CI 1.8–2.3). Furthermore, when compared to AP-only, patients with AP + HTG had lower mortality, which is different from the current AP knowledge. Finally, it appears that the driving force for the increased in mortality of patients with the triad (AP, DKA, HTG) is the DKA rather than the HTG.

Patients with the triad of AP, DKA, and HTG constitute a unique subgroup of patients that has higher inpatient mortality, multi-organ failure, hospital charges, and longer hospital length of stay. Therefore, hospital protocols targeting this subgroup of AP patients could improve mortality and outcomes.
Intracoronary administration of nicorandil-induced cardiac arrest during primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wei Shu-Jian , Luan Fang-Yun , He Da-yu , Xu Feng , Chen Yu-Guo
Published: February 2019

Rationale:

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the most effective therapy for patients with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, up to half of STEMI patients suffer from coronary microvascular dysfunction, presenting as the slow flow or no-reflow phenomenon.

Patients concerns:

A 78-year-old man was admitted to the chest pain center with sudden chest pain and tightness for about an hour.

Diagnoses:

Electrocardiography demonstrated ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, aVF, and third-degree atrioventricular block. Coronary angiography showed acute total occlusion in the distal right coronary artery (RCA).

Interventions:

PPCI was performed on the patient. After thrombus aspiration, a stent was placed in the distal RCA. As coronary angiography showed TIMI grade 2 flow in RCA, 6 mg nicorandil was intracoronary administrated in twice. Immediately, cardiac arrest occurred and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed.

Outcomes:

The patient survived and had a good outcome during follow-up for >6 months.

Lessons:

Up to now, there has been no case report of cardiac arrest caused by nicorandil. Although intracoronary nicorandil is one of the most commonly used methods to improve coronary flow, much more attention should be paid to side effects of nicorandil.
Bloodletting therapy for treating patients with chronic urticaria
Authors: Yao Qin , Zhang Xinyue , Mu Yunnong , Liu Yajie , An Yu , Zhao Baixiao
Published: February 2019

Background:

Chronic urticaria is a common disease affecting patients’ quality of life, and leading to substantial burden to both patients and society. Many trials have shown that bloodletting therapy is effective in treating chronic urticaria. There are currently no systematic reviews of bloodletting therapy for chronic urticaria. This protocol aims to present the methods used to assess the effectiveness and safety of bloodletting therapy for patients with chronic urticaria.

Methods:

The following databases will be searched from their inception: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database), and Wan-Fang Database. Clinical randomised controlled trials related to bloodletting therapy for treating chronic urticaria will be included, regardless of publication status and languages. Study selection, data collection, and quality assessment will be independently conducted by 2 researchers. For data synthesis, we will select either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to heterogeneity assessment. Disease activity control will be assessed as the primary outcomes. Response rate, recurrence rate and adverse events will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. If it is appropriate for meta-analysis, RevMan V.5.3 statistical software will be used. Otherwise, a systematic narrative synthesis will be conducted. The results will be presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data and weight mean difference (WMD) or standard mean difference (SMD) 95% CIs for continuous data.

Dissemination and ethics:

The protocol of this systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. It is not necessary for a formal ethical approval because the data are not individualised.

Trial registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42018111143.
Randomized, open-label, multicenter study of azithromycin compared with doxycycline for treating anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection concomitant to a vaginal infection (CHLAZIDOXY study)
Authors: Peuchant Olivia , Lhomme Edouard , Krêt Marion , Ghezzoul Bellabes , Roussillon Caroline , Bébéar Cécile , Perry Frédéric , de Barbeyrac Bertille
Published: February 2019

Background:

Chlamydia trachomatis can lead to a persistent infection in the lower gastrointestinal tract, suggesting a potential role of autoinoculation of cervical chlamydial infection from the rectal site, contributing to repeat infections. Moreover, around 75% of women with urogenital C. trachomatis have concurrent anorectal infection. Current treatment guidelines for urogenital C. trachomatis infection recommend either a single 1 g dose of azithromycin or doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days. Doxycycline appears to be more effective in treating anorectal infections as suggested in a population of men who have sex with men, but no randomized controlled trial (RCT) had directly compared azithromycin with doxycycline for the treatment of rectal infections. We propose an open-label RCT to compare the microbial cure obtained with a single 1 g dose of azithromycin versus 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily for 7 days, for the treatment of anorectal C. trachomatis infection concurrent to urogenital infection in women.

Methods and study design:

A total of 460 women with C. trachomatis urogenital infection will be enrolled in the study. Women will be asked to provide self-collected anorectal swabs and will be randomized to receive either a 1 g single dose of azithromycin or doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days. Clinical and biological data will be collected and patients will complete questionnaires about their sexual behavior. The primary outcome is the microbial cure rate, defined as a C. trachomatis negative nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) result in the anorectal specimens 6 weeks after treatment initiation among women with a C. trachomatis positive urogenital and anorectal NAAT result at the baseline. The secondary outcome is autoinoculation from the rectum to the vagina, which will be evaluated based on the number of women with the same C. trachomatis genotype profile that will be identified in an anorectal-positive specimen obtained 6 weeks after treatment initiation and in a vaginal-positive specimen obtained four months after treatment.

Discussion:

The results of this trial will establish which treatment is more efficacious against anorectal infection and could affect recommendations for the treatment of urogenital C. trachomatis infection, taking into account concurrent anorectal infection.

Trial registration numbers:

EudraCT number: 2017-002595-15.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:

NCT03532464. Date of registration: May 31, 2018.

World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry:

NTC03532464. Secondary ID: CHUBX 2016/26. Date of registration: May 09, 2018.
Evolving swaps in transplantation: global exchange, vouchers, liver, and trans-organ paired exchange
Authors: Lo Alexis L. , Sonnenberg Elizabeth M. , Abt Peter L.
Published: February 2019

Purpose of review

With the ongoing organ shortage, several mechanisms to facilitate organ exchanges and expand the scope of living kidney or liver donation have been proposed. Although each addresses at least one barrier to transplantation, these innovative programs raise important ethical, logistical, and regulatory considerations.

Recent findings

This review addresses four recent proposals to expand living donor transplantation. For kidney transplantation, we discuss global paired exchange and advanced donation programs (’vouchers’) and for liver transplantation, liver paired exchange. Lastly, this review considers trans-organ exchange. We explore the conceptual framework of the exchange, current status, benefits, and concerns for implementation among each of these evolving pathways.

Through highlighting novel mechanisms in organ exchange, greater awareness, discussion, or support can occur to create more avenues for transplantation. These innovative mechanisms require regulations and safeguards for donors to ensure informed consent, and proper follow-up is maintained.
The recurrent relations for the electronic band structure of the multilayer graphene
Authors: Davydov V. N.
Published: February 2019

The structure of the electronic energy bands for stacked multilayer graphene is developed using the tight-binding approximation (TBA). The spectra of the Dirac electrons are investigated in vicinity of the Brillouin zone minima. The electron energy dependence on quasi-momentum is established for an arbitrary number of the graphene layers for multilayer graphene having even number of layers
N
 = 2
n
, (
n
 = 2, 3, 4, …) with the Bernal stacking ABAB … AB; or for odd number of layers
N
 = 2
n
 + 1, (
n
 = 1, 2, 3, …) with stacking ABAB … A. It is shown that four non-degenerate energy branches of the electronic energy spectrum are present for any number of layers. Degeneracy is considered of graphene-like energy branches with linear dispersion law. Dependences of such branches number and their degeneracy are found on number of layers. The recurrent relations are obtained for the electronic band structure of the stacked ABA…, ABC… and AAA… multilayer graphene. The flat electronic bands are obtained for ABC-stacked multilayer graphene near the
K
-point at the Fermi level. Such an approach may be useful in the study of multivarious aspects of graphene's physics and nanotechnologies. Also paper gives new hints for deeper studies of graphite intercalation compounds.
The relevance of persisters in tuberculosis drug discovery
Authors: Mandal Soma , Njikan Samuel , Kumar Anuradha , Early Julie V. , Parish Tanya
Published: February 2019

Bacterial persisters are a subpopulation of cells that exhibit phenotypic resistance during exposure to a lethal dose of antibiotics. They are difficult to target and thought to contribute to the long treatment duration required for tuberculosis. Understanding the molecular and cellular biology of persisters is critical to finding new tuberculosis drugs that shorten treatment. This review focuses on mycobacterial persisters and describes the challenges they pose in tuberculosis therapy, their characteristics and formation, how persistence leads to resistance, and the current approaches being used to target persisters within mycobacterial drug discovery.
Physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activities of green coffee bean extracted with different solvents
Authors: Kim Ju-Hyeon , Gu Yul-Ri , Hong Joo-Heon
Published: February 2019

In this study, we aimed to examine the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activities of water (hot water extracts from Coffea canephora (HR), hot water extracts from Coffea arabica (HA)), 80% ethanol (80% ethanol extracts from Coffea canephora (ER), 80% ethanol extracts from Coffea arabica (EA)) and 80% methanol (80% methanol extracts from Coffea canephora (MR), 80% methanol extracts from Coffea arabica (MA)) of green coffee bean. The yield of green coffee bean extracts (HR, ER, MR, HA, EA, MA) was 15.53-23%. The total sugar and protein contents of HA were 58.45 g/100 g and 23.04 g/100 g, respectively. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of ER were 35.03 g/100 g and 12.14 g/100 g, respectively. The main component in chlorogenic acid of green coffee bean extracts was 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) (1.04-3.18 g/100 g). The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of ER at 1,000 µg/mL were 99.17% and 92.61%, respectively. The superoxide radical scavenging and FRAP activities of ER at 1,000 µg/mL were 96.47% and 1572.23 µM, respectively. The protective effect of ER extract against oxidative stress was better than those of other extracts in L-132 cells (85.82%). In conclusion, our study provides experimental evidence that green coffee bean extracts can be used as potential functional materials.
Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl Susceptibility and Mutation Point Detection of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACCase) in Different Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) Populations from China
Authors: Liu Jun-jie , Lu Liuyang , Zhang Bai-zhong , Chen Xi-ling
Published: February 2019

To explore resistant mechanism of wild oat to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, the susceptibility of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACCase) from 24 wild oat populations to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, the level of gene expression, and mutation site of ACCase were conducted. In vitro ACCase activities were solated and measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (ELISA) assays, the results indicated that the IC50 value of the ACCase of the most unsusceptible to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl in the wild oat population from Yexian2017 (W24) was 7206.557-fold compared to that of the ACCase of most susceptible to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl in the wild oat population from Queshan (W11). The differential expression of genes in wild oat treated by the IC50 fenoxaprop-p-ethyl concentration (6.9 mg/L) for 24 hours using RNA-seq, digital gene expression (DGE) profling was conducted. We found that 8 unigenes annotated as ACCase genes, 0 up-regulaed expression and 3 down-regulated expression were observed. The down-regulaed expressed ACCase was selected for qPCR in the relative susceptible population were significantly more suppressed than the three relative resistant populations. The mutations point of ACCase, Ile-1781-Leu, Trp-1999-Cys, Trp-2027-Cys, Ile-2041-Asn, Asp-2078-Gly, Cys-2088-Arg published were not found in the populations tested by multiple sequence alignment with a model complete ACCase sequence of Alopecurus myosuroides. These findings suggest that ACCase plays a critical role in the development of wild oat resistance to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl.
Transcriptomic changes resulting fromSTK32Boverexpression identifies pathways potentially relevant to essential tremor
Authors: Liao Calwing , Sarayloo Faezah , Rochefort Daniel , Akçimen Fulya , Diamond Greer S. , Laporte Alexandre D. , Spiegelman Dan , He Qin , Catoire Hélène , Dion Patrick A. , Rouleau Guy A.
Published: February 2019

Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder that has a high heritability. A number of genetic studies have associated different genes and loci with ET, but few have investigated the biology of any of these genes.STK32Bwas significantly associated with ET in a large GWAS study and was found to be overexpressed in ET cerebellar tissue. Here, we overexpressedSTK32Bin human cerebellar DAOY cells and used an RNA-Seq approach to identify differentially expressed genes by comparing the transcriptome profile of these cells to the one of control DAOY cells. Pathway and gene ontology enrichment identified axon guidance, olfactory signalling and calcium-voltage channels as significant. Additionally, we show that overexpressingSTK32Baffects transcript levels of previously implicated ET genes such asFUS. Our results investigate the effects of overexpressedSTK32Band suggest that it may be involved in relevant ET pathways and genes.
ReorientExpress: reference-free orientation of nanopore cDNA reads with deep learning
Authors: Ruiz-Reche Angel , Indi Joel A. , de la Rubia Ivan , Eyras Eduardo
Published: February 2019

Long-read sequencing technologies allow the systematic interrogation of transcriptomes from any species. However, functional characterization requires the determination of the correct 5’-to-3’ orientation of reads. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) allows the direct measurement of RNA molecules in the native orientation (Garalde et al. 2018), but sequencing of complementary-DNA (cDNA) libraries yields generally a larger number of reads (Workman et al. 2018). Although strand-specific adapters can be used, error rates hinder their detection. Current methods rely on the comparison to a genome or transcriptome reference (Wyman and Mortazavi 2018; Workman et al. 2018) or on the use of additional technologies (Fu et al. 2018), which limits the applicability of rapid and cost-effective long-read sequencing for transcriptomics beyond model species. To facilitate the interrogation of transcriptomes de-novo in species or samples for which a genome or transcriptome reference is not available, we have developed ReorientExpress (https://github.com/comprna/reorientexpress), a new tool to perform reference-free orientation of ONT reads from a cDNA library, with our without stranded adapters. ReorientExpress uses a deep neural network (DNN) to predict the orientation of cDNA long-reads independently of adapters and without using a reference.
Tbx1interacts genetically withVegfr3to regulate cardiac lymphangiogenesis in mice
Authors: Martucciello Stefania , Turturo Maria Giuseppina , Cioffi Sara , Chen Li , Baldini Antonio , Illingworth Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

The transcription factorTBX1is the major gene implicated in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The complex clinical phenotype includes vascular anomalies and a recent report presented new cases of primary lymphedema in 22q11.2DS patients. We have previously shown that Tbx1 activates Vegfr3 gene expression in lymphatic endothelial cells and that this activation is critical for lymphatic vessel development in prenatal mice and for their survival post-natally. Using loss-of-function genetics and transgenesis, we show a strong genetic interaction betweenTbx1andVegfr3in cardiac lymphangiogenesis that causes cardiac lymphatic vessel anomalies in compound heterozygotes. Intriguingly, different aspects of the cardiac lymphatic phenotype were regulated independently by the two genes.Tbx1Cre-activated Vegfr3 transgene expression was able to rescue the morphological abnormalities in the cardiac lymphatic vessels of compound heterozygotes, but it did not rescue the severe cardiac lymphatic vessel hypoplasia observed inTbx1homozygotes. Moreover, our study revealed a differential sensitivity between the ventral and dorsal cardiac lymphatic networks to the effects of alteredTbx1andVegfr3gene dosage. Overall, our study demonstrates that a fine dosage balance betweenTbx1andVegfr3is required to regulate the number and morphology of cardiac lymphatic vessels.
Optimization of the cultivation conditions of indigenous wild yeasts and evaluation of their leavening capacity
Authors: Gebreslassie Elsa Beyene , Tefera Anteneh T. , Muleta Diriba , Fantaye Solomon K. , Wessel Gary M.
Published: February 2019

Ethiopia has a high demand for baker’s yeast in the bread and beverage industries. Unfortunately, Ethiopia has no producing plant for baker’s yeast and instead relies on costly imports. The objective of this work was to identify the most productive and useful indigenous baker’s yeasts isolated from local fermented foods and drinks, honey and Molasses using leavening ability as the major metric. Six of the test isolates produced a maximum cell mass at 30°C, pH of 5.5 and 48 hours of incubation. Isolate AAUTf1 did not produce hydrogen sulfide, while isolates AAUTf5, AAUTj15 and AAUSh17 produced low levels of this chemical, and isolates AAUMl20 and AAUWt21 produced high levels of hydrogen sulfide, neglecting their utility in baking. The leavening performance of isolates AAUTf1 (Candida humilis) and AAUTf5 (Kazachstania bulderi) had the highest dough volume of 131 cm3and 128 cm3respectively in 120 min. Isolates AAUSh17 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and AAUTj15 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) raised the dough volume of 127 cm3and 125 cm3respectively, at 60 min compared to commercial yeast (117 cm3in 90 min). The study also revealed that mixed cultures of indigenous yeasts had better leavening capacity than single cultures. The co-inoculated cultures of AAUTf1 + AAUTf5 + AAUTj15, AAUTf5 + AAUTj15, and AAUTf1 + AAUTj15 + AAUSh17 reached 143 cm3at 90 min, 141 cm3and 140 cm3both at 60 min, respectively. Thus, the indigenous isolates are candidates for optimizing utilization of yeast for fast promotion and utilization in the bakery industries.
The locomotor and predatory habits of unenlagiines (Theropoda, Paraves): inferences based on morphometric studies and comparisons with Laurasian dromaeosaurids
Authors: Gianechini Federico A. , Ercoli Marcos D. , Díaz-Martínez Ignacio
Published: February 2019

Unenlagiinae is mostly recognized as a subclade of dromaeosaurids. They have the modified pedal digit II that characterize all dromeosaurids, which is typically related to predation. However, derived Laurasian dromaeosaurids (eudromaeosaurs) differ from unenlagiines in having a shorter metatarsus and pedal phalanx II-1, and more ginglymoid articular surfaces in metatarsals and pedal phalanges. Further, unenlagiines have a subarctometatarsal condition, which could have increased the mechanical efficiency during locomotion. All these discrepancies possibly reflect different locomotor and predatory habits. To evaluate this we conducted morphometric analyses and comparisons of qualitative morphological aspects. The former consisted in two phylogenetic principal component analyses, one of them based on lengths of femur, tibia and metatarsus, and width of metatarsus, and the other based on lengths of pedal phalanges. The data sampling covered several coelurosaurian and non-coelurosaurian taxa. The first analysis showed the unenlagiines close to taxa with long tibiae and long and slender metatarsi, which are features considered to provide high cursorial capacities. Instead, eudromaeosaurs are close to taxa with shorter tibiae and shorter and wider metatarsi, which can be considered with low cursorial capacities. The second analysis showed that eudromaeosaurs and unenlagiines have similar phalangeal proportions. Moreover, they share the elongation of distal phalanges, which is a feature related to the capacity of grasping. The shorter and wider metatarsus, more ginglymoid articular surfaces and a shorter pedal phalanx II-2 of eudromaeosaurs possibly allowed them to exert a greater gripping strength. Thus, they had the potential of hunting large prey. Instead, the longer and slender subarctometatarsus, lesser ginglymoid articular surfaces and a longer pedal phalanx II-2 of unenlagiines possibly gave to them greater cursorial capacities and the ability to hunt smaller and elusive prey on the ground. Thus, the different morphological evolutionary paths of dromaeosaurids lineages seem to indicate different locomotor and predatory specializations.
Precise removal ofCalm1long 3′ UTR isoform by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing impairs dorsal root ganglion development in mice
Authors: Gruner Hannah N. , Bae Bongmin , Lynch Maebh , Oliver Daniel , So Kevin , Mastick Grant S. , Yan Wei , Miura Pedro
Published: February 2019

Most mammalian genes are subject to Alternative cleavage and PolyAdenylation (APA), often resulting in alternative length 3′ UTR isoforms. Thousands of extended or long 3′ UTR variants are preferentially expressed in neuron-enriched tissues of metazoans. However, thein vivofunctions of these long 3′ UTR isoforms are largely unknown.Calmodulin 1(Calm1)is a key integrator of calcium signaling that is required for correct neural development.Calm1generates short (Calm1-S) and long 3′ UTR (Calm1-L) mRNA isoforms via APA. We foundCalm1-Sto be broadly expressed across mouse tissues, whereasCalm1-Lexpression was largely restricted to neural tissues, including the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, a series of mouse deletion lines were generated that successfully eliminated expression ofCalm1-Lwhile maintaining expression ofCalm1-S. One of these lines,Calm1Δ3′ UTR, carried a 163 bp deletion surrounding the distal polyA site. Examination ofCalm1Δ3′ UTRembryos revealed disrupted development of the DRG. InCalm1Δ3′ UTRDRG explant cultures undergoing axon outgrowth, we observed a dramatic increase in axon fasciculation. These results demonstrate a physiological role forCalm1-Lin DRG development, and more generally, establish a genome-editing strategy to studyin vivofunctions of long 3′ UTR isoforms.

Author Summary

More than half of all human genes generate alternative mRNA isoforms which differ in the length of their 3’ Untranslated regions (3’ UTRs). Through a process called Alternative Cleavage and Polyadenylation thousands of broadly expressed genes preferentially express long 3’ UTR variants in brain tissues whereas their short 3’ UTR counterparts are more broadly expressed. A challenge to study the functions of these transcripts has been to generate loss of function mutant animals that lack a long 3’ UTR isoform but maintain expression of the corresponding short 3’ UTR isoform. Here, we used the precise, rapid, and efficient approach of CRISPR genome-editing to generate long 3’ UTR mutant mice. These mice, which do not express the long 3’ UTR of theCalmodulin 1(Calm1) gene, exhibit impairment in the development of sensory neurons, including increased fasciculation of axons and aberrant cell body migration. This finding is important because it provides conclusive genetic evidence for a neural function of a long 3’ UTR isoform in an animal. The CRISPR genome-editing approach used here can be applied to the study of neuron-enriched long 3’ UTR isoforms, which number in the thousands and have largely unexplored functions.
The Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Susceptibility Locus, IL2RA, Includes An Intronic Enhancer That Is Attenuated By JIA-Associated Genetic Variants
Authors: Jarvis James N. , Jiang Kaiyu , Park Yungki , Tarbell Evan , Liu Tao
Published: February 2019

Like most rheumatic diseases, genetic risk loci for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are highly enriched for H3K4me1/H3K27ac histone marks, epigenetic signatures often associated with enhancer function. We sought to determine whether an H3K4me1/H3K27ac region of the JIA risk locus, IL2RA exhibits enhancer function and whether enhancer function is altered by JIA-associated genetic variants. We used a conventional luciferase reporter assay to query enhancer function across an H3K4me1/H3K27ac-marked region within the first intron of the IL2RA gene. We used the same approach to query the effects of 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on enhancer function. We identified a 657 base pair region within the first intron of IL2RA that demonstrated brisk enhancer function. Enhancer activity was observable in both Jurkat T cells and myeloid HL60 cells. We identified 2 genetic variants, rs117119468 (C->T), and rs12722502 (C->T), that attenuated enhancer activity in this 657 bp region.
Conclusions – The JIA-associated risk locus, IL2RA, contains at least one functional enhancer that is active in both lymphoid and myeloid cells. We identified 2 genetic variants that attenuate activity of this enhancer, making them strong candidates as causal variants.
Characters with autism spectrum disorder in fiction: where are the women and girls?
Authors: Tharian Priyanka Rebecca , Henderson Sadie , Wathanasin Nataya , Hayden Nikita , Chester Verity , Tromans Samuel
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Fiction has the potential to dispel myths and helps improve public understanding and knowledge of the experiences of under-represented groups. Representing the diversity of the population allows individuals to feel included, connected with and understood by society. Whether women and girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are adequately and accurately represented in fictional media is currently unknown. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Internet and library searches were conducted to identify female characters with ASD in works of fiction. Examples of such works were selected for further discussion based on their accessibility, perceived historical and cultural significance and additional characteristics that made the work particularly meaningful.

Findings

The search highlighted a number of female characters with ASD across a range of media, including books, television, film, theatre and video games. Many were written by authors who had a diagnosis of the condition themselves, or other personal experience. Pieces largely portrayed characters with traits that are highly recognised within the academic literature. However, some also appeared to endorse outdated myths and stereotypes. Existing works appear to preferentially portray high functioning autistic women, with limited representation of those whom also have intellectual disability.

Originality/value

This is the first exploration of the depiction of ASD in females within fiction. There is a need for more works of fiction responsibly depicting females with ASD, as this can help reduce stigma, develop public awareness and recognition and increase representation.
Indoor air in healing environments
Authors: Gola Marco , Settimo Gaetano , Capolongo Stefano
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Several countries have carried out air quality monitoring in professional workplaces where chemicals are used. Health-care spaces have been less investigated. This paper aims to define a protocol, as developed by a research group, for inpatient rooms to understand the state of the art and to suggest design and management strategies for improving process quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the ISO-16000 standard and guidelines for monitoring activities, a protocol is defined for a one year investigation, with passive samplers. Through data analysis of the investigations and analysis of the cleaning and finishing products, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and maintenance activities, etc., it is possible to highlight the potential influences of chemical pollution.

Findings

A methodology is defined for understanding the chemical pollution and the possible factors related to construction materials, cleaning products and maintenance activities.

Research limitations/implications

The paper analyzes only a limited number of case studies because the monitoring activity is still in progress.

Practical implications

The investigation offers a starting point for a wide tool for the definition of design, maintenance and management strategies in health-care facilities.

Social implications

The research project, aimed at improving the knowledge of indoor air quality (IAQ) in inpatient rooms, is a starting point for a supporting tool for future regulations concerning health-care facilities.

Originality/value

IAQ is an issue on which many governments are focusing. Several health-care researchers have reported studies that aim at improving users’ health. Most investigations are about biological and physical risks, but chemical risks have been less studied. The paper suggests some design and management strategies for inpatient room.
Determinants of housing prices in Baku: empirical analyses
Authors: Aliyev Khatai , Amiraslanova Mehin , Bakirova Nigar , Eynizada Narmin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal major factors affecting housing prices (flats and houses) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan Republic.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on cross-sectional data set of 497 flats and 443 houses, polynomial regression models are estimated for flats and houses separately. Regression models are estimated by using ordinary least squares.

Findings

Location, largeness, repair level and existence of bill of sale are major price determinants for flats. For houses, number of rooms also matters. Findings reveals that houses are land intensive (more floors, less land area) toward city center, and vice versa. Price difference due to existence of bill of sale diminishes significantly toward the surrounding areas.

Research limitations/implications

The data set represents view of sellers and does not take into consideration price bargaining in time of sale; probability of information asymmetries exists which not could accounted for, and urgency of sale is not considered.

Practical implications

Estimation results can be used for housing valuation by real estate market participants and investors.

Social implications

Research findings reveal importance of bill of sale as a major price determinant and expected to attract policymakers’ attention to solve such a big social problem. Additionally, models can be based for price estimations in Baku housing market.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by empirically analyzing housing market in Baku, Azerbaijan. Research produces new practically valuable findings.
Framing contractual performance incentives: effects on supplier behaviour
Authors: Selviaridis Kostas , van der Valk Wendy
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects that the framing of contractual performance incentives have on supplier’s behavioural and relational responses and on the buyer–supplier relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted three in-depth case studies of contractual relationships, which exhibit differences in terms of how performance incentives are framed, i.e., using promotion, prevention and “hybrid” frames, respectively. The study involved 38 semi-structured interviews and content analysis of contract agreements.

Findings

First, while promotion-framed incentives lead to positive supplier responses and improved relationships, prevention-framed incentives result in negative responses and deteriorating relations. Second, hybrid-framed incentives can lead to productive supplier responses when positiveex anteexpectations are met, although the creation of such positive expectations in the first place depends on the proportionality of bonus and penalty elements. Third, promotion- and hybrid-framed incentives do not by default lead to positive effects, as these are contingent on factors pertaining to contractual clarity. Fourth, the overarching purpose of the contract moderates the effects of contract framing on supplier responses.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to contracting research by showing how the framing of performance incentives influences supplier behavioural and relational responses. It also extends the existing literature on contract framing by examining the effects of hybrid-framed incentives, and stressing that contract framing should be considered in joint with the clarity and overall purpose of the contract to elicit desired supplier behaviours.

Practical implications

Managers of buying firms may differentiate their approach to contract framing depending on the type of supplier relationship in focus. Furthermore, effective design of promotion- and hybrid-framed incentives requires attention to: realistic performance targets (on the short, medium and long term); salient bonuses related to these targets; incentive structures that appropriately balance rewards and risks; and: mechanisms that explicate and consider uncontrollable factors in the calculation of bonus–malus payments.

Originality/value

The paper extends the literature stressing the psychological impact of contracts on buyer–supplier relationships by highlighting that contractual clarity and the overarching purpose of the contract moderate the effects of contract framing on supplier behavioural and relational responses.
Migration governance as place making: South African experiences
Authors: Blaser Mapitsa Caitlin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of migrants in the process of place making, through case studies of migrant engagement with municipal planning in five South African municipalities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on empirical research carried out over two years, using mixed methods research in each municipal case study. Data come from key stakeholder interviews, participant observation, focus groups and demographic data to understand the perceptions and practices of local government officials and migrants within the community.

Findings

This research demonstrated that local government officials are assuming a population that is sedentary and geographically bounded, while migration is actively shaping communities. This mobility provides an opportunity for management practices to become more inclusive and effective.

Originality/value

By examining systems of local governance through the lens of a mobile population, new possibilities emerge about the ways migrant participation can contribute to the definitions of a place.
Command college – foresight as a foundation to police executive development
Authors: Harrison Bob
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The education of police executives has been a priority of criminal justice agencies for more than 40 years to address the need to professionalize law enforcement in America. Since the 1980s, programs for this purpose have existed, one of which is the California POST Command College. Command College is an academically oriented executive development program intended to “invest in the future” as its students – mid-career police managers – acquire the tools and skills necessary to be promoted to executive positions. This paper aims to answer the question, “Does the Command College achieve its intended goals?”

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was used to obtain perspectives of recent graduates and of those who had graduated from the program more than four years before the survey. An assessment of the frequency of promotions to command and executive roles was completed, and an external academic assessment of the program’s curriculum was completed by a university.

Findings

Support for the program by graduates increased over time, graduates were promoted at a rate of three times higher than baseline averages for police managers and the program’s curriculum was vetted as being equivalent to graduate-level courses at the university level.

Research limitations/implications

As its value is validated through this assessment, others can learn how they might better prepare their police executives for the future. No similar law enforcement program has been similarly assessed, so others may also learn ways to ensure they are achieving their intended outcomes from this example. Given the differences in other law enforcement leadership programs in terms of student selection and specific goals, direct comparisons would be limited, both by the program differences and the research design used by others as they work to validate their success in meeting their goals.

Originality/value

Although law enforcement executive education has existed since 1935, and leadership training programs for the police since 1982, no research has been conducted to validate the outcomes and impact of such programs on the graduates of such programs and their agencies.
Adoption of health information technology in the mobile emergency care service
Authors: Wendland Jonatas , Lunardi Guilherme Lerch , Dolci Décio Bittencourt
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Health is at the center of society concerns, being characterized by the dilemma of contributing to the population well-being, while demanding high financial investments at the same time. In this sense, information technology (IT) becomes essential for the progress of the sector, directly impacting on how care practices are performed. This study aims to analyze the adoption of mobile devices in the mobile emergency care service (MECS) of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a multi-method study with an initial qualitative exploration through a focal group, followed by a survey. Potential determinants and impacts of mobile device use on the work context of the MECS teams were identified. Following, we tested the proposed conceptual model applying a questionnaire to 350 professionals from a total of 160 bases throughout the State. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses herein.

Findings

The authors found that Satisfaction with the Use of Mobile PHC (PHC – Primary Health Care) is determined by the application compatibility with MECS work, followed by the performance expectancy with the use of the technology and the technical support provided to the users – acting as important facilitators of this process; while the technological complexity inherent in the use of the technology appears as the main barrier to the success of this technology. Besides, the authors found that both intensity of Use and Satisfaction with the Use of the technology provide different benefits to those involved (teams, patients and the organization).

Research limitations/implications

As limitations of the study, the authors point out to the fact that the data are from a single Brazilian State, and therefore, its results cannot be generalized. Another limitation is that the study considered only the use of a specific mobile technology, which requires caution when using this information in contexts where the health information technology is different, besides the fact that the findings may not be compatible in environments where IT adoption is voluntary.

Practical implications

The study can help managers of public and private organizations in the planning and implementation of different technologies, whether mobile or applied to the health context, as well as in the expansion of their use in their respective institutions.

Social implications

The research contributes to other studies that realize that the adoption of IT can cause relevant changes to health being associated to productivity gains and improvement of the quality of service provided to society through different forms and solutions.

Originality/value

The adoption and use of IT – such as mobile devices – impacts on how care practices are performed in the MECS, providing different benefits to those involved (teams, patients and the organization).
Empirical process model for shrinkage-induced warpage in 3D printing
Authors: Schmutzler Christoph , Stiehl Tobias H. , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to explain the emergence of warpage due to a locally and temporally inhomogeneous shrinkage in 3D printing (Binder-Jetting) of polymers.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of shrinkage yields parameters for a one-dimensional layer model of the binding process. Based on this, residual stresses and deformation are calculated by means of a numerical simulation model.

Findings

The simulation supports the assumption that the curling of specimens is created by a force transmission between layers due to inhomogeneous shrinkage. Furthermore, the layered production process might contribute to nonlinear deformations of not horizontally orientated surfaces.

Research limitations/implications

The simulation allows imitating the warping during the manufacturing process qualitatively. Exact values of deformations cannot be predicted, yet.

Practical implications

The results expand the knowledge about warpage effects in 3D printing caused by the layer-wise building process.

Originality/value

The developed model imitates the mechanisms leading to deformations during the 3D printing process, focusing on the physical interaction of layers with each other.