bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guided intracameral air injection based on 3D reconstructed anterior optical coherence tomography images in iatrogenic Descemet's membrane detachment
Authors: Yoon Hye Yeon , Kim Hyun Seung , Hwang Hyung Bin
Published: October 2018

Rationale:

We emphasize the importance of using anterior optical coherence tomography (OCT) to understand the details of iatrogenic Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) in 3 dimensions; this allows appropriate air injection into the anterior chamber in terms of both direction and method.

Patients concerns:

A 74-year-old Korean female presented with progressive visual impairment. On slit-lamp examination, an iridocorneal adhesion was observed, associated with a full-thickness corneal opacity 3.0-mm in diameter. Adherence between the crystalline lens (with moderate cortical cataracts) and the iris was evident near the opacity. Therefore, we decided to perform cataract surgery.

Diagnosis:

Intraoperatively, iatrogenic DMD occurred during removal of the iridocorneal adhesion, as clearly shown on postoperative OCT. However, slit-lamp examination did not reveal the details of the DMD because of the corneal edema.

Interventions and Outcomes:

The DMD was evaluated via 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of multiple anterior OCT images. The reconstructed images were used to guide intracameral sterile air injection from an appropriate direction using an optimal method. The patient was asked to maintain an appropriate head position to allow the injected air to re-attach the DM.

Lessons:

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of an iatrogenic DMD developing during intraocular surgery is necessary to establish the details of the injury and allow accurate air injection into the anterior chamber; the air stream effectively re-attached the DM. It is important that the iatrogenic DMD can be treated properly only by confirming the accurate 3-dimensional shape as well as the position, height, and width of the DMD.
Safety and efficacy of pharmacomechanical thrombolysis for acute and subacute deep vein thrombosis patients with relative contraindications
Authors: Liu Xiangdong , Cao Pengkai , Li Yunsong , Zhao Jianing , Li Liang , Li Haitao , Zhang Yanrong
Published: October 2018

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PMT) performed for patients with relative contraindications.

From June 2014 to December 2016, 112 patients with acute or subacute proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were enrolled in this study. 60 patients (including 27 acute DVT patients and 33 subacute DVT patients) were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and 52 patients with relative contraindications (including 25 acute DVT patients and 27 subacute DVT patients) with PMT. Assessment of venous recanalization was conducted using venography the time Inferior vena cava filter is removed, and complications were used to compare safety and efficacy between the groups.

The outcomes of acute DVT patients no matter which kind of therapy performed, CDT or PMT, were significant better than subacute DVT patients (P
CDT = .04 and P
PMT = .01). However, there was no significant difference between CDT acute group and PMT acute group or between CDT subacute group and PMT subacute group (P
acute = .80 and P
subacute = .84). For complications of all patients, there was no mortality and major bleeding occurred.

PMT could be a safe and effective management for DVT patients with relative contraindications, and the acute DVT may achieve better outcomes when they receive CDT or PMT.
Prognostic role of targeting protein for Xklp2 in solid tumors
Authors: Wang Shijie , Chen Yongyuan , Chai Ying
Published: October 2018

Background:

The prognostic role of targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) in solid tumors has been investigated in several researches, but the results remain controversial. Here we present a meta-analysis to systematically review the association between TPX2 expression levels and prognosis of human solid tumors.

Methods:

Studies published until December 2017 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO, 13 studies (2134 patients) were collected for analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) from individual studies were calculated by the application of Mantel-Haenszel random effect model. Pooled ORs were estimated by Z test. Publication bias and interstudy heterogeneity analyses were also performed.

Results:

TPX2 overexpression was associated with poor OS at 3 and 5 years [OR = 4.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.27–6.56, P < .00001; OR = 4.05, 95% CI: 2.32–7.07, P < .00001, respectively] of solid tumors. Similar results were observed with DFS at 3 and 5 years (OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.83–6.14, P < .0001; OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.74–4.98, P < .0001, respectively). Subgroup analysis revealed that increased TPX2 expression was related to worse prognosis of gastric cancer and hepatocellular cancer, while irrelevant to esophageal squamous cell cancer at 5-year survival rate.

Conclusions:

Overexpression of TPX2 is related to poor survival rate in most solid tumors, which indicates that the expression level of TPX2 is a significant prognostic parameter and potential therapeutic target in various solid tumors.
Management of recalcitrant epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis
Authors: Tian Mingxia
Published: October 2018

Rationale:

Surgically lifting and scraping, mitomycin C, fibrin glue, Nd:YAG laser, hydrogel ocular sealant, and amniotic membrane patch are the reported methods for treating epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Here we report the management of a rare case of recalcitrant epithelial ingrowth using a combined scraping/laser ablation that occurred after LASIK.

Patient concerns:

A female patient underwent uncomplicated bilateral LASIK 10 years before incurring trauma to the right eye. Approximately 2.5 years later, she presented with a complaint of blurred vision and a foreign body sensation.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with epithelial ingrowth because of the presence of corneal melting, wrinkling, and scarring. Approximately 6 months after injury, the patient underwent corneal scraping to remove the epithelial ingrowth. Even after 2 more scraping procedures, the epithelial ingrowth recurred. Corneal densitometry was performed (Oculus Pentacam), which revealed a maximum corneal densitometry value of 87.4 gray scale units (GSUs) in the inferonasal quadrant. This reading highly elevated compared to readings from normal cornea (approximately 20 GSU).

Interventions:

We used a combination scraping/laser ablation procedure to correct astigmatism and eliminate any undetected residual corneal epithelial cells.

Outcomes:

Two days following the procedure, the patient developed a mild corneal opacity in the area where the epithelial ingrowth had been located. At this time, visual acuity was 20/40, refractive error (manifest refraction) was −0.50 Diopter (D) sph, and the maximum corneal densitometry value was 79.2 GSU. After 2 months, the central cornea remained slightly blurred, but visual acuity was 20/25. No signs of recurrent epithelial ingrowth were present and the maximum corneal densitometry reading had decreased to 55.4 GSU.

Lessons:

This case demonstrates that epithelial ingrowth should be treated as soon as possible after trauma and that thorough scraping combined with laser ablation is effective for treating recalcitrant epithelial ingrowth. Additionally, corneal densitometry can be used to assess epithelial ingrowth severity and treatment efficacy.
Pediatric Feeding Disorder
Authors: Goday Praveen S. , Huh Susanna Y. , Silverman Alan , Lukens Colleen T. , Dodrill Pamela , Cohen Sherri S. , Delaney Amy L. , Feuling Mary B. , Noel Richard J. , Gisel Erika , Kenzer Amy , Kessler Daniel B. , Kraus de Camargo Olaf , Browne Joy , Phalen James A.
Published: October 2018

Pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) lack a universally accepted definition. Feeding disorders require comprehensive assessment and treatment of 4 closely related, complementary domains (medical, psychosocial, and feeding skill‐based systems and associated nutritional complications). Previous diagnostic paradigms have, however, typically defined feeding disorders using the lens of a single professional discipline and fail to characterize associated functional limitations that are critical to plan appropriate interventions and improve quality of life. Using the framework of the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, a unifying diagnostic term is proposed: “Pediatric Feeding Disorder” (PFD), defined as impaired oral intake that is not age‐appropriate, and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial dysfunction. By incorporating associated functional limitations, the proposed diagnostic criteria for PFD should enable practitioners and researchers to better characterize the needs of heterogeneous patient populations, facilitate inclusion of all relevant disciplines in treatment planning, and promote the use of common, precise, terminology necessary to advance clinical practice, research, and health‐care policy.
Fluoro-Chromogenic Labelling for Detection of MCM2 to Assess Proliferation Activity in HER2-amplified Breast Carcinomas
Authors: Luhtala Satu , Haapaniemi Teppo , Staff Synnöve , Isola Jorma
Published: October 2018

Minichromosome Maintenance Protein 2 (MCM2) is critical in initiating DNA replication during the cell division process. As expressed intensively in all phases of the active cell cycle, MCM2 has been proposed as a novel biomarker to determine cellular proliferation. We aimed at clarifying the prevalence and clinical significance of MCM2 in HER2-amplified breast cancer subtype. MCM2 expression was studied in 142 primary HER2-amplified breast carcinomas by applying a novel fluoro-chromogenic immunohistochemistry and tailored digital image analysis to determine labelling index (MCM2-LI). The presence of MCM2 was detected with HRP-conjugated polymer and visualized with 3, 3ʹ-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride, in cytokeratin (CK)-positive and Cy2-IgG–labelled breast cancer cells of epithelial origin. Stained slides were digitized by scanning sequentially under bright field (for MCM2) and fluorescence (for CK) illumination. Multilayer JPEG2000 images were analyzed with ImmunoRatio 2.5 (accessory in SlideVantage 1.2 software) utilizing its bright field and fluorescence image-blending mode to display MCM2-CK dual-positive cells. MCM2-LI was retrospectively compared with histopathologic characteristics and patients’ clinical outcome. MCM2 protein–expressing cells (median MCM2-LI, 63.5%) were more frequent than those of Ki67 (median Ki67 labelling index, 33%). Significant correlations were found between high MCM2-LI, high Ki67 labelling index, negative hormone receptor (ER, PR) statuses, high grade of malignancy, and high cyclin E expression. MCM2-LI was not shown to be predictive of disease recurrence during the median follow-up of 5.3 years but was shown to be useful to distinguish aggressive-type HER2-amplified breast carcinomas with high malignancy grade and hormone receptor negativity. The fluoro-chromogenic double-labelling immunohistochemistry accompanied with digital image analysis provides an accurate carcinoma-specific determination of MCM2-LI on a single tumor section.
Multiple Luteinized Follicle Cysts of the Ovary in a Patient With a Pituitary Adenoma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lebok Patrick , Zuna Rosemary E. , Holman Laura L. , Young Robert H.
Published: October 2018

The case of a 36-yr-old woman with a pituitary adenoma who was found to have bilateral ovarian masses is reported. The right ovary was removed, measured 15 cm in maximum dimension, and contained multiple cysts which on microscopic examination had the typical morphology of follicle cysts. The left ovary was grossly similar intraoperatively. Subsequent excision of the pituitary adenoma was followed ∼3 mo later by a return to normal size of the left ovary. The case represents an example of multiple luteinized follicle cysts, analogous to the phenomenon seen occasionally in pregnancy, but with a different clinical background. Periodic documentation of this phenomenon is present in the literature, predominantly the clinical literature with limited pathologic documentation of the nature of the process in many reports. As pertains to the evaluation of follicle cysts encountered during pregnancy the differential diagnosis is with a cystic granulosa cell tumor of either adult or juvenile types, more likely the latter. The cyst lining is identical to that of standard follicle cysts and contrasts with the immature mitotically active nuclei seen in a juvenile granulosa cell tumor. That neoplasm also usually shows follicular differentiation typically absent in follicle cysts. Pathologists should be aware of the rare occurrence of luteinized follicle cysts in patients with a pituitary adenoma to enable correct intraoperative and standard pathologic evaluation.
Apert Syndrome: Intraoperative and Postoperative Hyponatremia
Authors: Gencay Isin
Published: October 2018

Apert syndrome is one of the acrocephalosyndactilia syndromes that is characterized with calvarial an extremity deformities. Anesthesia management of this syndrome is commonly related with difficult airway. However, hyponatremia is another insistent complication that can occur during craniosynostosis surgeries. Hyponatremia is a common complication during calvarial remodeling surgeries and it can result in serious neurologic damage. Development of mild hyponatremia in a patient with Apert syndrome that went under craniosynostosis surgery was presented in this study.
Reconstruction of Facial Defects with Three-Stage Frontal Expanded Bipedicled Flaps
Authors: Dong Weiwei , Yang Qinghua
Published: October 2018

Background:

The aim of the present study was the therapeutic effect of the frontal expanded bipedicled flaps that are used in the reconstruction of facial defects. Patients were treated with mostly unilateral facial defects which affected temple area and cross the midline with frontal expanded flaps to investigate the therapeutic effect of reconstruction of facial defects with frontal expanded bipedicled flaps from June 2012 to August 2017 and 2 patients were discussed in this study.

Methods:

The surgery procedure was divided into 3 stages. At the first stage, expanders were implanted and the expanded frontal flaps were transferred at second stage. After that pedicle division was performed and the pedicle skin tissue was used to repair the residue defect at the third stage.

Results:

All 7 flaps survived completely with satisfactory color and texture. Satisfied results were achieved during the follow-up period of 1 year.

Conclusion:

The bipedicled frontal expanded flap is very suitable for large facial defect due to its reliable blood supply.
Ddx3xregulates B-cell development and light chain recombination in mice
Authors: Liu Ke , Tuazon Jasmine , Karmele Erik P. , Krishnamurthy Durga , Perlor Thomas , Foong-Sobis Michelle , Karns Rebekah A , Mandal Malay , Reynaud Damien , Scofield R. Hal , Penninger Josef M. , Harley John B. , Waggoner Stephen N.
Published: October 2018

Ddx3xencodes a DEAD box RNA helicase implicated in antiviral immunity and tumorigenesis. We find that hematopoieticDdx3xdeficiency inVav1-Cremice (ΔDdx3x) results in altered leukocyte composition of secondary lymphoid tissues, including a marked reduction in mature B cells. This paucity of peripheral B cells is associated with deficits in B-cell development in the bone marrow, including reduced frequencies of small pre-B cells. Bone marrow chimera experiments reveal a B-cell intrinsic effect ofDdx3xdeletion. Mechanistically, ΔDdx3xsmall pre-B cells exhibit lower expression ofBrwd1, a histone reader that restricts recombination at the immunoglobulin kappa (Igk)locus. In fact, the B-cell deficits in ΔDdx3xmice resemble those ofBrwd1mutant mice, and both strains of mice exhibit defectiveIgkrearrangement in small pre-B cells. The contribution ofDdx3xtoBrwd1expression and light chain rearrangement constitutes the first evidence of a role for an RNA helicase in promoting B-cell development.
Inference of recombination maps from a single pair of genomes and its application to archaic samples
Authors: Barroso Gustavo V. , Puzovic Natasa , Dutheil Julien Y.
Published: October 2018

Understanding the causes and consequences of recombination rate evolution is a fundamental goal in genetics that requires recombination maps from across the tree of life. Since statistical inference of recombination maps typically depends on large samples, reaching out studies to non-model organisms requires alternative tools. Here we extend the sequentially Markovian coalescent model to jointly infer demography and the variation in recombination along a pair of genomes. Using extensive simulations and sequence data from humans, fruit-flies and a fungal pathogen, we demonstrate that iSMC accurately infers recombination maps under a wide range of scenarios – remarkably, even from a single pair of unphased genomes. We exploit this possibility and reconstruct the recombination maps of archaic hominids. We report that the evolution of the recombination landscape follows the established phylogeny of Neandertals, Denisovans and modern human populations, as expected if the genomic distribution of crossovers in hominids is largely neutral.
Inference of the worldwide invasion routes of the pinewood nematodeBursaphelenchus xylophilususing approximate Bayesian computation analysis
Authors: Mallez Sophie , Castagnone Chantal , Lombaert Eric , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , Guillemaud Thomas
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Population genetics have been greatly beneficial to improve knowledge about biological invasions. Model-based genetic inference methods, such as approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), have brought this improvement to a higher level and are now essential tools to decipher the invasion routes of any invasive species. In this paper, we performed ABC random forest analyses to shed light on the pinewood nematode (PWN) worldwide invasion routes and to identify the source of European populations. Originating from North America, this microscopic worm has been invading Asia since 1905 and Europe since 1999, causing tremendous damage on pine forests. Using microsatellite data, we demonstrated the existence of multiple introduction events in Japan (at least two involving individuals originating from the USA) and China (one involving individuals originating from the USA and one involving individuals originating from Japan). We also found that Portuguese samples had a Japanese origin. We observed some discrepancies between descriptive genetic methods and the ABC method, which are worth investigating and are discussed here. The ABC method helped clarify the worldwide history of the PWN invasion, even though the results still need to be considered with some caution because the features of the PWN and the genetic markers used probably push the ABC method to its very limits.
Directed evolution of split APEX peroxidase
Authors: Han Yisu , Martell Jeffrey D. , Branon Tess C. , Boassa Daniela , Shechner David M. , Ellisman Mark H. , Ting Alice Y.
Published: October 2018

APEX is an engineered peroxidase that catalyzes the oxidation of a wide range of substrates, facilitating its use in a variety of applications, from subcellular staining for electron microscopy to proximity biotinylation for spatial proteomics and transcriptomics. To further advance the capabilities of APEX, we used directed evolution to engineer a split APEX tool (sAPEX). Twenty rounds of FACS-based selections from yeast-displayed fragment libraries, using three different yeast display configurations, produced a 200-amino acid N-terminal fragment (with 9 mutations relative to APEX2) called “AP” and a 50-amino acid C-terminal fragment called “EX”. AP and EX fragments were each inactive on their own but reconstituted to give peroxidase activity when driven together by a molecular interaction. We demonstrate sAPEX reconstitution in the mammalian cytosol, on engineered RNA motifs within telomerase noncoding RNA, and at mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites.
Oxidation-induced destabilization of the fibrinogenαC-domain dimer investigated by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Pederson Eric N. , Interlandi Gianluca
Published: October 2018

Upon activation, fibrinogen is converted to insoluble fibrin, which assembles into long strings called protofibrils. These aggregate laterally to form a fibrin matrix that stabilizes a blood clot. Lateral aggregation of protofibrils is mediated by theαC domain, a partially structured fragment located in a disordered region of fibrinogen. Polymerization ofαC domains links multiple fibrin molecules with each other enabling the formation of thick fibrin fibers and a fibrin matrix that is stable but can also be digested by enzymes. How-ever, oxidizing agents produced during the inflammatory response have been shown to cause thinner fibrin fibers resulting in denser clots, which are harder to proteolyze and pose the risk of deep vein thrombosis and lung embolism. It has been postulated that oxidation of Met476located within theαC domain hinders its ability to polymerize disrupting the lateral aggregation of protofibrils and leading to the observed thinner fibers. HowαC domains assemble into polymers is still unclear and yet this knowledge would shed light on the mechanism through which oxidation weakens the lateral aggregation of protofibrils. This study used temperature replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations to investigate theαC-domain dimer and how this is affected by oxidation of Met476. The results suggest that multiple binding modes between two alphaC domains can occur and that oxidation decreases the likelihood of dimer formation. Furthermore, the side chain of Met476acts as a docking spot betweenαC domains and this function is abrogated by its conversion to methionine sulfoxide.
Anti-tumor effects of antimicrobial peptides, targets of the innate immune system, against hematopoietic tumors inDrosophila mxcmutants
Authors: Araki Mayo , Awane Rie , Sato Tetsuya , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Inoue Yoshihiro H.
Published: October 2018

The innate immune response is the first line of defense against microbial infections. InDrosophila, three immune pathways induce the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the fat body. Recently, it has been reported that certain cationic AMPs exhibit selective cytotoxicity against human cancer cells. However, little is known about their anti-tumor effects.Drosophila mxcmbn1mutants exhibit malignant hyperplasia in a larval hematopoietic organ called the lymph gland (LG). Here, using RNA-Seq analysis, we found that many immunoresponsive genes, including AMP genes, were up-regulated in the mutants. Down-regulation of these pathways by either aTollor animdmutation enhanced the tumor phenotype of themxcmutants. Conversely, ectopic expression of each of five different AMPs in the fat body significantly suppressed the LG hyperplasia phenotype in the mutants. Thus, we propose that theDrosophilainnate immune system can suppress progression of hematopoietic tumors by inducing AMP gene expression. Overexpression of any one of these five AMPs resulted in enhanced apoptosis in the mutant LGs, while no apoptosis signals were detected in controls. We observed that two AMPs, Drosomycin and Defensin, were taken up by circulating hemocyte-like cells, which were associated with LG regions showing reduced cell-to-cell adhesion in the mutants; another AMP, diptericin, was directly localized on the tumors without intermediating hemocytes. These results lead us to conclude that the AMPs have a specific cytotoxic effect that enhance apoptosis exclusively in the tumor cells.

Summary statement:

Antimicrobial peptides can be associated with tumor cells generated in a hematopoietic tissue inDrosophila mxcmutants and have an anti-tumor effect in suppressing their growth.
Divalent cations can control a switch-like behavior in heterotypic and homotypic RNA coacervates
Authors: Onuchic Paulo L. , Milin Anthony N. , Alshareedah Ibraheem , Deniz Ashok A. , Banerjee Priya R.
Published: October 2018

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of RNA-protein complexes plays a major role in the cellular function of membraneless organelles (MLOs). MLOs are sensitive to changes in cellular conditions, such as fluctuations in cytoplasmic ion concentrations. To investigate the effect of these changes on MLOs, we studied the influence of divalent cations on the physical and chemical properties of RNA coacervates. Using a model arginine-rich peptide-RNA system, we predicted and observed that variations in signaling cations exert interaction-dependent effects on RNA LLPS. Changing the ionic environment has opposing effects on the propensity for heterotypic peptide-RNA and homotypic RNA LLPS, which results in a switch between coacervate types. Furthermore, divalent ion variations continuously tune the microenvironments and fluid properties of heterotypic and homotypic droplets. Our results may provide a generic mechanism for modulating the biochemical environment of RNA coacervates in a cellular context.
Increasing the Capping Efficiency of the Sindbis Virus nsP1 Protein Negatively Affects Viral Infection
Authors: LaPointe Autumn T. , Moreno-Contreras Joaquín , Sokoloski Kevin J.
Published: October 2018

Alphaviruses are arthropod-borne RNA viruses that are capable of causing severe disease and are a significant burden to public health. Alphaviral replication results in the production of both capped and noncapped viral genomic RNAs, which are packaged into virions during the infections of vertebrate and invertebrate cells. However, the roles that the noncapped genomic RNAs (ncgRNAs) play during alphaviral infection have yet to be exhaustively characterized. Here, the importance of the ncgRNAs to alphaviral infection was assessed by using mutants of the nsP1 protein of Sindbis virus (SINV), which altered the synthesis of the ncgRNAs during infection by modulating the protein’s capping efficiency. Specifically, point mutants at residues Y286A and N376A decreased capping efficiency, while a point mutant at D355A increased the capping efficiency of the SINV genomic RNA during genuine viral infection. Viral growth kinetics were significantly reduced for the D355A mutant relative to wild type infection, whereas the Y286A and N376A mutants showed modest decreases in growth kinetics. Overall genomic translation and nonstructural protein accumulation was found to correlate with increases and decreases in capping efficiency. However, genomic, minus strand, and subgenomic viral RNA synthesis was largely unaffected by the modulation of alphaviral capping activity. In addition, translation of the subgenomic vRNA was found to be unimpacted by changes in capping efficiency. The mechanism by which decreased presence of ncgRNAs reduced viral growth kinetics was through the impaired production of viral particles. Collectively, these data illustrate the importance of ncgRNAs to viral infection and suggests that they play in integral role in the production of viral progeny.

Importance

Alphaviruses have been the cause of both localized outbreaks and large epidemics of severe disease. Currently, there are no strategies or vaccines which are either safe or effective for preventing alphaviral infection or treating alphaviral disease. This deficit of viable therapeutics highlights the need to better understand the mechanisms behind alphaviral infection in order to develop novel antiviral strategies for alphaviral disease. In particular, this study details a previously uncharacterized aspect of the alphaviral life cycle, the importance of noncapped genomic viral RNAs to alphaviral infection. This offers new insights into the mechanisms of alphaviral replication and the impact of the noncapped genomic RNAs on viral packaging.
Mortality in trauma patients admitted during, before, and after national academic emergency medicine and trauma surgery meeting dates in Japan
Authors: Yumoto Tetsuya , Naito Hiromichi , Ihoriya Hiromi , Yorifuji Takashi , Nakao Atsunori
Published: October 2018

Annually, many physicians attend national academic meetings. While participating in these meetings can have a positive impact on daily medical practice, attendance may result in reduced medical staffing during the meeting dates. We sought to examine whether there were differences in mortality after trauma among patients admitted to the hospital during, before, and after meeting dates. Using the Japan Trauma Data Bank, we analyzed in-hospital mortality in patients with traumatic injury admitted to the hospital from 2004 to 2015 during the dates of two national academic meetings - the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) and the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma (JAST). We compared the data with that of patients admitted with trauma during identical weekdays in the weeks before and after the meetings, respectively. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to compare outcomes among the three groups. A total of 7,491 patients were included in our analyses, with 2,481, 2,492, and 2,518 patients in the during, before, and after meeting dates groups, respectively; their mortality rates were 7.3%, 8.0%, and 8.5%, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, no significant differences in in-hospital mortality were found among the three groups (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] of the before meeting dates and after meeting dates groups; 1.18 [0.89-1.56] and 1.23 [0.93-1.63], respectively, with the during meeting dates group as the reference category). No significant differences in in-hospital mortality were found among trauma patients admitted during, before, and after the JAAM and JAST meeting dates.
A prototype handheld X-ray diffraction instrument
Authors: Hansford Graeme
Published: October 2018

A conceptual design for a handheld X-ray diffraction (HHXRD) instrument is proposed. Central to the design is the application of energy-dispersive XRD (EDXRD) in a back-reflection geometry. This technique brings unique advantages which enable a handheld instrument format, most notably, insensitivity to sample morphology and to the precise sample position relative to the instrument. For fine-grained samples, including many geological specimens and the majority of common alloys, these characteristics negate sample preparation requirements. A prototype HHXRD device has been developed by minor modification of a handheld X-ray fluorescence instrument, and the performance of the prototype has been tested with samples relevant to mining/quarrying and with an extensive range of metal samples. It is shown, for example, that the mineralogical composition of iron-ore samples can be approximately quantified. In metals analysis, identification and quantification of the major phases have been demonstrated, along with extraction of lattice parameters. Texture analysis is also possible and a simple example for a phosphor bronze sample is presented. Instrument formats other than handheld are possible and online process control in metals production is a promising area. The prototype instrument requires extended measurement times but it is argued that a purpose-designed instrument can achieve data-acquisition times below one minute. HHXRD based on back-reflection EDXRD is limited by the low resolution of diffraction peaks and interference by overlapping fluorescence peaks and, for these reasons, cannot serve as a general-purpose XRD tool. However, the advantages ofin situ, nondestructive and rapid measurement, tolerance of irregular surfaces, and no sample preparation requirement in many cases are potentially transformative. For targeted applications in which the analysis meets commercially relevant performance criteria, HHXRD could become the method of choice through sheer speed and convenience.
Quasielastic neutron scattering of brucite to analyse hydrogen transport on the atomic scale
Authors: Okuchi Takuo , Tomioka Naotaka , Purevjav Narangoo , Shibata Kaoru
Published: October 2018

It is demonstrated that quasielastic neutron scattering is a novel and effective method to analyse atomic scale hydrogen transport processes occurring within a mineral crystal lattice. The method was previously characterized as sensitive for analysing the transport frequency and distance of highly diffusive hydrogen atoms or water molecules in condensed matter. Here are shown the results of its application to analyse the transport of much slower hydrogen atoms which are bonded into a crystal lattice as hydroxyls. Two types of hydrogen transport process were observed in brucite, Mg(OH)2: a jump within a single two-dimensional layer of the hydrogen lattice and a jump into the next nearest layer of it. These transport processes observed within the prototypical structure of brucite have direct implications for hydrogen transport phenomena occurring within various types of oxides and minerals having layered structures.
Three-dimensional characterization of the microstructure in rabbit patella–patellar tendon interface using propagation phase-contrast synchrotron radiation microtomography
Authors: Zhou Yongchun , Hu Jianzhong , Zhou Jingyong , Zeng Ziteng , Cao Yong , Wang Zhanwen , Chen Can , Zheng Cheng , Chen Huabin , Lu Hongbin
Published: October 2018

Understanding the three-dimensional ultrastructure morphology of tendon-to-bone interface may allow the development of effective therapeutic interventions for enhanced interface healing. This study aims to assess the feasibility of propagation phase-contrast synchrotron radiation microtomography (PPC-SRµCT) for three-dimensional characterization of the microstructure in rabbit patella–patellar tendon interface (PPTI). Based on phase retrieval for PPC-SRµCT imaging, this technique is capable of visualizing the three-dimensional internal architecture of PPTI at a cellular high spatial resolution including bone and tendon, especially the chondrocytes lacuna at the fibrocartilage layer. The features on the PPC-SRµCT image of the PPTI are similar to those of a histological section using Safranin-O staining/fast green staining. The three-dimensional microstructure in the rabbit patella–patellar tendon interface and the spatial distributions of the chondrocytes lacuna and their quantification volumetric data are displayed. Furthermore, a color-coding map differentiating cell lacuna in terms of connecting beads is presented after the chondrocytes cell lacuna was extracted. This provides a more in-depth insight into the microstructure of the PPTI on a new scale, particularly the cell lacuna arrangement at the fibrocartilage layer. PPC-SRµCT techniques provide important complementary information to the conventional histological method for characterizing the microstructure of the PPTI, and may facilitate in investigations of the repair mechanism of the PPTI after injury and in evaluating the efficacy of a different therapy.
How important is the transitional yield (t-yield)? An analysis of reforms to organic crop insurance
Authors: Delbridge Timothy A. , King Robert P.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) made several changes to the crop insurance products available to organic growers for the 2014 crop year. Most notably, a 5 percent premium surcharge was removed and organic-specific transitional yields (t-yields) were issued for the first time. The purpose of this paper is to use farm-level organic crop yield data to analyze the impact of these reforms on producer insurance outcomes and compare the insurance options for new organic growers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a unique panel data set of organic corn and soybean yields to analyze the impact of organic crop insurance reforms. Actual Production History values and premium rates are calculated for each farm and crop yield sequence. Producer loss ratios and subsidized premium wedges are compared for yield, revenue and area-risk products before and after the instituted reforms.

Findings

Results indicate that RMA succeeded in improving the actuarial soundness of the organic insurance program, though further refinement of organic t-yields may be necessary to accurately reflect the yield potential of organic producers and avoid reductions in program participation.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into the effectiveness of reforms intended to improve the actuarial soundness of organic crop insurance and demonstrates the effect that the reforms are likely to have on new and existing organic farms. Because this analysis uses data collected independently of RMA and includes farms that may or may not have purchased crop insurance, it avoids the self-selection problems that might affect analyses using crop insurance program data.
Scholarly book publishers’ ratings and lists in Finland and Spain
Authors: Mañana Rodriguez Jorge , Pölönen Janne
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to compare the lists of publishers in SPI (Spain) and the lists of VIRTA (Finland), in order to determine some of the potential uses of a merged list, such as complementing each other; and, second, to assess the effects of cross-field variability in the SPI rankings on the potential uses identified in the previous objective.

Design/methodology/approach

VIRTA and SPI lists were matched and compared in terms of level and number of submissions (VIRTA) and prestige (SPI).

Findings

There is a set of international publishers common to both information systems, but most publishers are nationally oriented. This type of publisher is still highly relevant for scholars. Consequently, a merge of national lists would provide useful information for all stakeholders involved in terms of grounding information for the rating of foreign, non-international publishers. Nevertheless, several issues should be considered in an eventual merging process, such as the decisions related to the use of field-specific rankings or general rankings.

Practical implications

If merged, ratings ought to be kept separately. Ratings of national publishers can be imputed in other systems’ evaluation process, thus making the merging process potentially useful.

Originality/value

This research explores obstacles and opportunities for merging scholarly publishers’ lists from an empirical perspective. It provides groundwork for future efforts toward supra-national combinations of publishers’ lists.
The associations among market orientation, technology orientation, entrepreneurial orientation and organizational performance
Authors: Masa’deh Ra’ed , Al-Henzab Jawaher , Tarhini Ali , Obeidat Bader Yousef
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between three variables of strategic orientation (market orientation, technology orientation entrepreneurial orientation) and organizational performance in the Jordanian pharmaceutical sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a quantitative research design where 252 questionnaires were collected form respondents operating in various pharmaceutical companies in Jordan to obtain necessary data to test the hypotheses developed for the study. Multiple regressions were used to analyze the research data.

Findings

The results of the analysis revealed that strategic orientations were positively and significantly related to organizational performance. The findings also showed that market orientation contributed the most to the enhancement of organizational development followed by technology orientation and finally entrepreneurship orientation.

Practical implications

These findings contribute to the understanding of the importance of employing multiple strategic orientations in order to enhance organizational performance, particularly in pharmaceutical companies

Originality/value

This is the first study which adequately covers the relationship between three variables of strategic orientation (market orientation, technology orientation, entrepreneurial orientation) and organizational performance in the Jordanian pharmaceutical sector.
Proposed the pricing model as an alternative Islamic benchmark
Authors: Ahmed Essia Ries , Islam Md Aminul , Alabdullah Tariq Tawfeeq Yousif , bin Amran Azlan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find applicable Islamic pricing benchmarks (IPBs) instead of the market interest rates which are currently used in Islamic finance as benchmark.

Design/methodology/approach

The suggested model (Islamic pricing benchmark model (IPBM)) obviously reveals the feasibility and practical effectiveness of a substitute to London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and as an evaluator tool to suggested investment projects. The model is a suggested mechanism which could be used as an alternative choice to the conventional borrowing based on the forbiddenRibaor on interest. The suggested IPBM depends on estimating the rate of return for any project on consideration of the cash flows in future which is expected to be relative to the invested capital.

Findings

The IPBM approach might be applied to financial tools, where the fund owner bears the loss since it is not because of negligence. An instrument to help identify the investment for target rates of return (as an alternative choice to LIBOR) to identify a breakeven point based on expected cash flows for the project to be financed instead of based on seeking the indicators of interest orRiba(as LIBOR). This feature of the IPBM model as an Islamic benchmark renders it as aShariahpricing mechanism for the Islamic financial products.

Practical implications

The IPBM could be used as a financial instrument to assist in identifying the investment for the target return rates to determine a breakeven point based on expected cash flows for the project to be funded instead of being based on seeking the interest indicators orRiba(as LIBOR). This feature as an Islamic benchmark is considered as aShariahpricing mechanism for the Islamic financial products. In particular, the proposed model incorporates theShariahparameters. In that, it is hoped that the Islamic financial instruments will be more comprehensive in theirShariahcompliance and thereby may bring more credibility to the Islamic financial system in general.

Originality/value

This paper highlights several important issues related to the IPBMs in Islamic financial institutions which are not widely discussed among researchers. This study contributes to finding an alternative IPB for the Islamic financial products which is currently using the conventional interest rate (LIBOR) as its benchmark. The current study provides empirical evidence for the possibility of relying on the IPBM as an Islamic benchmark to price Islamic financial transactions.
Benchmarking performance of governance quality in Indian states using MCDM techniques
Authors: Raj Alok , Khanna Rupika
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to benchmarking the governance performance of Indian states.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a framework to measure governance performance at the state level. Using the data on 28 key indicators, the authors evaluate Indian states on seven broad dimensions of governance quality covering several aspects of public service delivery, regulatory quality and law and order. The empirical methodology involves the application of multi-criteria decision making techniques in two steps. The authors, first develop suitable weights of the identified dimensions and criteria under each dimension by applying the inputs of an expert-based decision-panel in a best-worst framework. Next, using these weights, the authors evaluate ranking of each state using TOPSIS and PROMETHEE-II methods.

Findings

The results indicate wide disparities in the governance performance of Indian states. Based on different indicators, the paper evaluates the rank of all the major Indian states. Results reveal that “Social Service Delivery(S)” is the most influencing dimension for the development of a state. Overall, the authors find Andra Pradesh, NCT of Delhi and Goa to be the leading states in terms of governance quality.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides policy makers with easy to use operational indicators to analyse the governance performance of Indian states. These would help in better monitoring of these states through competitive goal-setting for continuous improvement.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first formal assessment of governance quality in the Indian states in a multi-criteria framework. To this end, the paper addresses the issue of wide regional disparities in the country. The findings of the paper provide powerful insights to policy makers in setting up appropriate strategies to eliminate these disparities.
Agentic work behaviour and thriving at work: role of decision making authority
Authors: Sia Surendra Kumar , Duari Pravakar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution of agentic work behaviour and decision-making authority (DMA) to thriving at work and, more importantly, the moderating role of DMA in the relationship between agentic behaviour and thriving.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been carried out upon a random sample of 330 employees below supervisory level from manufacturing companies located at Odisha (a state located at the eastern part of India). After verifying the significance of correlation among the study variables through Pearson’s product moment correlation, moderated regression analyses were carried out to examine the independent contribution of agentic work behaviour and DMA to thriving as well as the moderating contribution of DMA towards thriving.

Findings

Results reveal that the three dimensions of agentic work behaviour, namely, task focus, exploration and heedful relation, have a direct positive contribution towards thriving at workplace. As far as the moderation is concerned, it is observed that the thriving level is higher for the employees having high DMA irrespective of the level of agentic work behaviour at each dimension.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply for designing interventions to enhance task focus, super-ordinate relationship and interest for learning. In addition, the organisations should provide autonomy to employees for decision making.

Originality/value

The study is first of its kind in the Indian context upon employee thriving. In this study, the authors have not only investigated the separate independent contribution of agentic behaviour and DMA, but also their interacting contribution to employee thriving.