bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Land Use Changes in Batam Island Coastal Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Gustin Oktavianto , Roziqin Arif
Published: December 2019

Batam is one of the fastest growing cities in Indonesia that has resulted in increasing demand for industrial, commercial and residential areas. However, due to limited land supply there is a process of transferring existing land functions. By detecting changes in land use, we can find out how much land use changes are influenced by social, economic and industrial in Batam Island. This research was conducted on the detection of land use change using Remote Sensing multi-temporal or differentiated image of the year with a supervised Classification Technique to obtain Land use information and changes in Batam Island, area percentage of land use change from 2010 and 2016 in Batam Island, determining the relationship of land use change to conditions in the industry sector presented in to the maps. The calculation result of classification accuracy test obtained total overall accuracy of 88% where the classification results can be said true and almost in accordance with the field. The relationship between land use classification change with industrial condition on the Non-Agricultural area I can be said to related with the number of companies and the labors number on the data of labor changes from Central Bureau of Statistic/Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) 2010-2014 with the assumption of changing function and the many needs of various land uses sector except agriculture, the Non-Agriculture Area II can be said to be related with the number of companies and the number of labors in the data of labor changes BPS 2010-2014 with the assumption of changing function and the many land use needs of various sectors except agriculture, increased farming can be said to be related with the number of agriculture companies that also increases in data of labor changes BPS 2010-2014, the area of the Areas without Vegetation Coverage Class increased can be said to have influence with the number increased of companies and the number of manpower on the data labor changes BPS 2010-2014 with the assumption that there are many land use needs of various sectors except agriculture.
The Demise of the World of the Gutnajers: The Warsaw Art Market in World War II
Authors: Cieślińska-Lobkowicz Nawojka
Published: December 2019

A substantial number of Jewish art and antiques dealers operated in pre-World War II Warsaw. Particularly respected were the salons of the brothers Bernard and Abe Gutnajer. Virtually everyone in their milieu perished in the Warsaw ghetto or Treblinka. Taking their place were new “Aryan” dealers and a clientele of “new” money. The Warsaw art market under the German occupation experienced a particular growth between the start of the Jewish ghetto’s liquidation in mid-1942 and the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944, as “abandoned” property flooded the market. After decades of subsequent turbulent history, researchers can hardly hope to document the provenance of more than a fraction of tens of thousands of surviving works of art and valuable antiques.
Marginal measures and causal effects using the relative survival framework
Authors: Syriopoulou Elisavet , Rutherford Mark J , Lambert Paul C
Published: December 2019

Background

In population-based cancer survival studies, the event of interest is usually death due to cancer. However, other competing events may be present. Relative survival is a commonly used measure in cancer studies that circumvents problems caused by the inaccuracy of the cause of death information. A summary of the prognosis of the cancer population and potential differences between subgroups can be obtained using marginal estimates of relative survival.

Methods

We utilize regression standardization to obtain marginal estimates of interest in a relative survival framework. Such measures include the standardized relative survival, standardized all-cause survival and standardized crude probabilities of death. Contrasts of these can be formed to explore differences between exposure groups and under certain assumptions are interpreted as causal effects. The difference in standardized all-cause survival can also provide an estimate for the impact of eliminating cancer-related differences between exposure groups. The potential avoidable deaths after such hypothetical scenarios can also be estimated. To illustrate the methods we use the example of survival differences across socio-economic groups for colon cancer.

Results

Using relative survival, a range of marginal measures and contrasts were estimated. For these measures we either focused on cancer-related differences only or chose to incorporate both cancer and other cause differences. The impact of eliminating differences between groups was also estimated. Another useful way for quantifying that impact is the avoidable deaths under hypothetical scenarios.

Conclusions

Marginal estimates within the relative survival framework provide useful summary measures and can be applied to better understand differences across exposure groups.
Nutritional Characteristics of Selected Insects in Uganda for Use as Alternative Protein Sources in Food and Feed
Authors: Bbosa Tom , Tamale Ndagire Catherine , Muzira Mukisa Ivan , Fiaboe Komi K M , Nakimbugwe Dorothy
Published: December 2019

Insects are potential ingredients for animal feed and human food. Their suitability may be influenced by species and nutritional value. This study was aimed at determining the nutritional profile of four insects: Dipterans; black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) family stratiomyidae and blue calliphora flies (Calliphora vomitoria Linnaeus) family Calliphoridae; and orthopterans; crickets (Acheta domesticus Linnaeus) family Gryllidae and grasshoppers (Ruspolia nitidula Linnaeus) family Tettigoniidae to establish their potential as alternative protein sources for animals (fish and poultry) and humans. Gross energy, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrates, and total ash were in the ranges of 2028.11–2551.61 kJ/100 g, 44.31–64.90, 0.61–46.29, 5.075–16.61, 3.43–12.27, and 3.23–8.74 g/100 g, respectively. Hermetia illucens had the highest energy and ash content; C. vomitoria were highest in protein and fiber content, R. nitidula were highest in fat, whereas A. domesticus had the highest carbohydrate content. All insects had essential amino acids required for poultry, fish, and human nutrition. The arginine to lysine ratios of H. illucens, C. vomitoria, A. domesticus, and R. nitidula were 1.45, 1.06, 1.06, and 1.45, respectively. The fatty acids comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Palmitic acid (23.6–38.8 g/100 g of total fat) was the most abundant SFA, exception R. nitidula with 14 g/100 g stearic acid. Linoleic acid (190–1,723 mg/100 g) and linolenic acid (650–1,903 mg/100 g) were the most abundant PUFAs. Only C. vomitoria had docosahexaenoic acid. The study indicates that the insects studied are rich in crude protein and other nutrients and can potentially be used for human and animal (fish and poultry) feeding.
Chronic Hydrocephalus Following Mumps Encephalitis: Neuropathological Correlates and Review
Authors: MacRae Cassie , Varma Hemant
Published: December 2019

Hydrocephalus is a rare and devastating complication of mumps encephalitis. The histopathological correlates of mumps infection in central nervous system tissues are not well-characterized. We present the case of a 54-year-old patient who suffered long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae and hydrocephalus as a consequence of a childhood mumps infection. Brain autopsy revealed significant dilation of the lateral and third ventricles. Aqueductal stenosis was not observed on premortem imaging or on gross examination. Histology revealed loss of ependymal epithelium throughout the aqueduct and ventricular system. Macrophage conglomerates were identified within the cerebral aqueduct at the level of the pons in addition to subjacent periaqueductal gliosis and scattered Rosenthal fibers. Together, these findings support primary ependymal injury as a pathophysiological mechanism in the development of chronic hydrocephalus following mumps infection. Finally, we review the existing literature and discuss potential mechanisms of disease.
An epidemiology report for primary central nervous system tumors in adolescents and young adults: a nationwide population-based study in France, 2008–2013
Authors: Ng Sam , Zouaoui Sonia , Bessaoud Faiza , Rigau Valérie , Roux Alexandre , Darlix Amélie , Bauchet Fabienne , Mathieu-Daudé Hélène , Trétarre Brigitte , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Pallud Johan , Frappaz Didier , Roujeau Thomas , Bauchet Luc
Published: December 2019

Background

Primary central nervous system tumors (PCNST) among adolescents and young adults (AYA, 15–39 y) have rarely been reported. We present a nationwide report of PCNST histologically confirmed in the French AYA population between 2008 and 2013.

Methods

Patients were identified through the French Brain Tumor Database (FBTDB), a national dataset that includes prospectively all histologically confirmed cases of PCNST in France. Patients aged 15 to 39 years with histologically confirmed PCNST diagnosed between 2008 and 2013 were included. For each of the 143 histological subtypes of PCNST, crude rates, sex, surgery, and age distribution were provided. To enable international comparisons, age-standardized incidence rates were adjusted to the world-standard, European, and USA populations.

Results

For 6 years, 9661 PCNST (males/females: 4701/4960) were histologically confirmed in the French AYA population. The overall crude rate was 8.15 per 100 000 person-years. Overall, age-standardized incidence rates were (per 100 000 person-years, population of reference: world/Europe/USA): 7.64/8.07/8.21, respectively. Among patients aged 15–24 years, the crude rate was 5.13 per 100 000. Among patients aged 25–39 years, the crude rate was 10.10 per 100 000. Age-standardized incidence rates were reported for each of the 143 histological subtypes. Moreover, for each histological subtype, data were detailed by sex, age, type of surgery (surgical resection or biopsy), and cryopreserved samples.

Conclusion

These data represent an exhaustive report of all histologically confirmed cases of PCNST with their frequency and distribution in the French AYA population in 2008–2013. For the first time in this age group, complete histological subtypes and rare tumor identification are detailed.
Par6 regulates cell cycle progression through enhancement of Akt/PI3K/GSK‐3β signaling pathway activation in glioma
Authors: Liu Pei , Zhu Chenchen , Luo Juanjuan , Lan Sheng , Su Dongsheng , Wang Qiongjin , Wei Zhe , Cui Wei , Xu Chuan , Yang Xiaojun
Published: December 2019

As the key factor of the polarity protein complex, Par6 not only regulates polarization processes, but also plays important roles in tumor metastasis and progression in many epithelium malignancy tumors. Here, we showed that Par6 is an essential component in glioma tumorigenesis. Our results indicated the aberrant expression of Par6 in malignant glioma tissues and cell lines. We found that the regulation of Par6 expression induces cell proliferation and tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, RNA‐seq revealed the effects of Par6 were associated with cyclin D1‐regulated cell cycle progression in glioma cells. Moreover, our results demonstrated that the regulation of Par6 can enhance the activation of Akt/PI3K signaling pathway, and subsequently upregulate the expression level of GSK‐3β protein, which then regulate cyclin D1‐mediated cell cycle regulation. Furthermore, we found that TGF‐β‐induced the upregulation of Par6 expression may be involved in this process. The pathological analysis confirmed the correlation between Par6 expression and the prognosis in human glioma tissues, suggesting the regulation of Par6 expression regulates glioma tumorigenesis and progression. Thus, our findings showed that Par6 might be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and providing a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of malignant glioma.
Post‐natal co‐development of the microbiota and gut barrier function follows different paths in the small and large intestine in piglets
Authors: Arnaud Alexis Pierre , Rome Véronique , Richard Marion , Formal Michèle , David‐Le Gall Sandrine , Boudry Gaëlle
Published: December 2019

Gut microbiota and intestinal barrier co‐develop after birth, establishing a homeostatic state whereby mucosal cells cohabit with commensal bacteria. We hypothesized that this post‐natal co‐development follows different timings depending on the intestinal site considered. Jejunal, ileal, and colonic luminal contents and mucosa were sampled in suckling piglets at post‐natal day (PND) 0, 2, 7, 14, and 28. Jejunal, ileal, and colonic luminal microbiota (evaluated by 16S DNA sequencing followed by beta‐diversity analysis) clustered at PND2 but colonic microbiota diverge afterwards (P < .05). Mucosal permeability, evaluated in Ussing chambers, increased with age in the jejunum and ileum (P < .05) but not the colon. Expression of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) exhibited different patterns (gradual or sharp increase, decrease, or no change with age, P < .05) depending on PRR and intestinal site considered. Principal component analysis of mucosa data revealed clear clustering of colonic samples, irrespective of the age and clustering of jejunal and ileal samples, with gradual changes with age. Correlation analysis highlighted three families correlating with mucosal parameters: Enterobacteriaceae in the jejunum, Peptostreptococcaceae in the ileum, and Micrococcaceae in the colon. In conclusion, small and large intestine display close microbiota composition early in life but distinct mucosal phenotype and follow very different post‐natal development.
Evaluating the Feasibility of an Emergency Department Physical Therapy Intervention for Acute Low Back Pain
Authors: Kim Howard S. , Strickland Kyle J. , Pinto Daniel , Arroyo Christina , Courtney D. Mark , McCarthy Danielle M. , Lambert Bruce L.
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Integration of physical therapists into the emergency department (ED) setting is a relatively new practice in the United States. It is currently unknown whether patients are able to retain the skills and knowledge delivered during a brief ED physical therapy (PT) intervention, and whether patients participate in recommended home exercises or follow-up for a return visit.

Methods:

This is a prospective feasibility study of 30 ED patients with acute low back pain who were evaluated by an ED physical therapist, given individualized instruction in 3 prescribed home exercises, and discharged home with both printed and online instructions of the 3 prescribed exercises. Enrolled patients returned 1 week after their initial ED visit for an in-person demonstrated performance evaluation of the prescribed home exercises; patients also self-reported the frequency of home exercise performance in the week after ED discharge.

Results:

Thirty patients were enrolled, and 27 patients (90.0%) returned for the in-person evaluation at a median of 7.5 days. The most frequently prescribed exercises were prone positioning to press up on elbows (70.4% of participants), transverse abdominal contraction with posterior pelvic tilt (70.4%), and supine lower trunk rotation (44.4%). Twenty of 27 patients (74.0%) were able to successfully demonstrate performance of all 3 prescribed exercises. Participants reported performing any home exercise a median of 3 times (interquartile range 2-5) in the week following their index ED visit.

Conclusions:

A brief PT intervention delivered in the ED for acute low back pain is feasible with respect to patient follow-up, demonstrated performance of prescribed home exercises, and participation in home exercise therapy.
Genetic Overlap Between Type 2 Diabetes and Depression in a Sri Lankan Population Twin Sample
Authors: Kan Carol , Jayaweera Kaushalya , Adikari Anushka , Siribaddana Sisira , Zavos Helena M.S. , Harber-Aschan Lisa , Sumathipala Athula , Hotopf Matthew , Ismail Khalida , Rijsdijk Frühling
Published: December 2019

Objective

Results from twin studies examining the genetic overlap between type 2 diabetes and depression are currently inconclusive. This question has not been addressed in non-Western populations. We aimed to examine whether there are common genetic factors between type 2 diabetes and depression in a Sri Lankan population using genetic model-fitting analysis.

Method

The Colombo Twin and Singleton Study–Phase 2 consists of 2019 singletons, and 842 monozygotic and 578 dizygotic twin pairs. The primary outcomes were self-reported type 2 diabetes diagnosis and Beck Depression Inventory scores. Standard bivariate twin models were fitted to estimate the genetic and environmental (co)variance of type 2 diabetes and depression.

Results

In the best-fitting model, the phenotypic correlation between type 2 diabetes and depression was significant in female individuals only (r = 0.15 [0.08–0.21]). This association was primarily attributed to a significant genetic correlation between the traits (rA = 0.53 [0.19–0.98]).

Conclusions

In female individuals, but not male individuals, we found a significant genetic overlap between type 2 diabetes and depression in the context of a modest phenotypic correlation.
Challenges to achieving and maintaining viral suppression among children living with HIV
Authors: Kakkar Fatima , Lee Terry , Hawkes Michael T. , Brophy Jason , Lindy Samson , Singer Joel , Dieumegard Hinatea , Sauve Laura , Alimenti Ariane , Vaudry Wendy , Seigel Sandra , Tan Ben , Karatzios Christos , Lamarre Valerie , Read Stanley , Soudeyns Hugo , Bitnun Ari
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine the time to, and durability of, viral suppression, among Canadian children living with HIV after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

Design:

Prospective, multicenter Canadian cohort study (Early Pediatric Initiation Canada Child Cure Cohort), using both prospective and retrospectively collected data.

Methods:

Kaplan–Meir survival estimates with Cox regression were used to determine the time to and risk factors for viral suppression, defined as two consecutive undetectable viral loads (<50 copies/ml) at least 30 days apart after initiation of cART.

Results:

A total of 228 children were enrolled between December 2014 and December 2018. The time to viral suppression was significantly shorter among children initiating cART after 5 ≤ 5 vs. years or less of age [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–2.20], among those born after 2010 vs. prior (aHR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04–2.79), and among those without child protection services involvement (aHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03–2.01). Overall, 27% of children had a viral rebound within 3 years of achieving viral suppression; the risk of viral rebound was significantly lower among children initiating cART after 5 vs. 5 years or less of age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.32, 95% CI 0.13–0.81], those whose families had not received social assistance (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06–0.46), and females vs. males (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.99).

Conclusion:

Only 73% of the children in the Early Pediatric Initiation Canada Child Cure Cohort had maintained viral suppression 3 years after it was first achieved. Age at cART initiation, and socioeconomic factors were predictors of both time to viral suppression and risk of viral rebound in this cohort.
HIV preexposure prophylaxis with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine and changes in kidney function and tubular health
Authors: Ascher Simon B. , Scherzer Rebecca , Estrella Michelle M. , Shigenaga Judy , Spaulding Kimberly A. , Glidden David V. , Mehrotra Megha L. , Defechereux Patricia , Gandhi Monica , Grant Robert M. , Shlipak Michael G. , Jotwani Vasantha
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxial fumurate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) on kidney function and kidney tubular health.

Design:

The Iniciativa Profilaxis Pre-Exposicion open-label extension (iPrEx-OLE) study enrolled former PrEP trial participants to receive open-label TDF/FTC. This study included 123 iPrEx-OLE participants who demonstrated PrEP adherence.

Methods:

We compared estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated using serum creatinine (eGFRcr), serum cystatin C (eGFRcys), and in combination (eGFRcr-cys), and a panel of 14 urine biomarkers reflecting kidney tubular health before and 6 months after PrEP initiation.

Results:

At baseline, mean eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr-cys were 108.3, 107.0, and 111.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. Six months after PrEP initiation, eGFRcr declined by −4% (95% CI: −5.7 to −2.4%), eGFRcys declined by −3.3% (95% CI: −8.3 to 1.9%), and eGFRcr-cys declined by −4.1% (95% CI: −7.5 to −0.7%). From the urine biomarker panel, α1-microglobulin and β2-microglobulin increased by 22.7% (95% CI: 11.8--34.7%) and 14.1% (95% CI: −6.1 to 38.6%), whereas chitinase-3-like 1 protein and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 decreased by −37.7% (95% CI: −53.0 to −17.3%) and −15.6% (95% CI: −31.6 to 4.2%), respectively. Ten of the 14 urine biomarkers, including albumin, had estimated changes of less than 12% with wide confidence intervals.

Conclusion:

Six months of PrEP with TDF/FTC was associated with decreases in eGFRcr and eGFRcys. We also observed for the first time changes in flour of 14 urine biomarkers reflecting kidney tubular health. These findings demonstrate that PrEP has direct effects on eGFR and the proximal tubule.
Measuring the Position of the Mandibular Foramen in Relation to the Dentoalveolar Plane in Pierre Robin Patients: Establishing Safety of the Horizontal Osteotomy
Authors: Do Nicholas T. , Klement Kristen A. , Denny Arlen D.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Mandibular distraction with horizontal osteotomy of the ramus and vertical distraction vector has successfully treated airway obstruction in young Pierre Robin patients. Placing the osteotomy just above the dentoalveolar plane can minimize damage to the inferior alveolar nerve. This study maps the position of the mandibular foramen relative to the height of the dentoalveolar plane to demonstrate the safety of this technique in Pierre Robin neonates.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 3D CT scans of Pierre Robin patients was performed with inclusion criteria: ≤1 year of age, bilateral micrognathia requiring surgical intervention for airway (ie, tracheostomy versus mandibular distraction), no prior mandible surgery, and pre-operative 3D CT study. Demographic information collected included: age at CT scan, age at surgery, and genetic diagnosis. Using the 3D study of each patient's right mandible, a line at the level of the mandibular dentoalveolar plane was drawn across the lingual surface of the ramus and the distance to the mandibular foramen at a length perpendicular to the dentoalveolar plane line was then measured.

Results:

Fifteen patients were included in the study (at least 9 Pierre Robin). Average age at time of CT scan was 71.4 days old. The mandibular foramen was below the level of the dentoalveolar plane in all cases at an average distance of 4.7 mm. Average ramus height 46.2±13.4

Conclusions:

The dentoalveolar plane was consistently above the mandibular foramen in all patients. Thus, the horizontal corticotomy at a level just above the mandibular dentoalveolar plane spares the inferior alveolar nerve in neonatal Pierre Robin patients undergoing vertical vector mandibular distraction.
The accidental ally: Nucleosomal barriers can accelerate cohesin mediated loop formation in chromatin
Authors: Maji Ajoy , Padinhateeri Ranjith , Mitra Mithun K.
Published: December 2019

An important question in the context of the 3D organization of chromosomes is the mechanism of formation of large loops between distant base pairs. Recent experiments suggest that the formation of loops might be mediated by Loop Extrusion Factor proteins like cohesin. Experiments on cohesin have shown that cohesins walk diffusively on the DNA, and that nucleosomes act as obstacles to the diffusion, lowering the permeability and hence reducing the effective diffusion constant. An estimation of the times required to form the loops of typical sizes seen in Hi-C experiments using these low effective diffusion constants leads to times that are unphysically large. The puzzle then is the following, how does a cohesin molecule diffusing on the DNA backbone achieve speeds necessary to form the large loops seen in experiments? We propose a simple answer to this puzzle, and show that while at low densities, nucleosomes act as barriers to cohesin diffusion, beyond a certain concentration, they can reduce loop formation times due to a subtle interplay between the nucleosome size and the mean linker length. This effect is further enhanced on considering stochastic binding kinetics of nucleosomes on the DNA backbone, and leads to predictions of lower loop formation times than might be expected from a naive obstacle picture of nucleosomes.
Nanopore long reads enable the first complete genome assembly of a MalaysianVibrio parahaemolyticusisolate bearing the pVa plasmid associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease
Authors: Gan Han Ming , Austin Christopher M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Vibrio parahaemolyticusMVP1 was isolated from a Malaysian aquaculture farm affected with shrimp acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Its genome was previously sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform and assembledde novoproducing a relatively fragmented assembly. Despite identifying the binary toxin genes in the MVP1 draft genome that were linked to AHPND, the toxin genes were localized on a very small contig precluding proper analysis of gene neighbourhood.

Methods

The genome of Vibrio parahaemolyticus MVP1 was sequenced on the Nanopore MinION device to obtain long reads that can span longer repeats and improve genome contiguity.De novogenome assembly was subsequently performed using long-read only assembler (Flye) followed by genome polishing as well as hybrid assembler (Unicycler).

Results

Long-read only assembly produced three complete circular MVP1 contigs consisting of chromosome 1, chromosome 2 and the pVa plasmid thatpirABvpbinary toxin genes. Polishing of the long read assembly with Illumina short reads was necessary to remove indel errors. The complete assembly of the pVa plasmid could not be achieved using Illumina reads due to the presence of identical repetitive elements flanking the binary toxin genes leading to multiple contigs. Whereas these regions were fully spanned by the Nanopore long reads resulting in a single contig. In addition, alignment of Illumina reads to the complete genome assembly indicated there is sequencing bias as read depth was lowest in low-GC genomic regions. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the presence of a gene cluster coding for additional insecticidal toxins in chromosome 2 of MVP1 that may further contribute to host pathogenesis pending functional validation. Scanning of all publicly availableV. parahaemolyticusgenomes revealed the presence of a single AinS-family quorum-sensing system in this species that can be targeted for future microbial management.

Conclusions

We generated the first chromosome-scale genome assembly of a MalaysianpirABVp-bearingV. parahaemolyticusisolate. Structural variations identified from comparative genomic analysis provide new insights into the genomic features ofV. parahaemolyticusMVP1 that may be associated with host colonization and pathogenicity.
Fibroblast Protection ofBorrelia burgdorferifrom Doxycycline, Cefuroxime and Daptomycin Combination is Eliminated by Oregano or Carvacrol Essential Oil
Authors: Bai Chunxiang , Yang Hua , Cui Peng , Quan Rong , Zhang Ying
Published: December 2019

Borrelia burgdorfericould be occasionally recovered from patients after antibiotic treatment, which indicates it may resist eradication by antibiotic and host defense mechanisms. Skin fibroblast cells have previously been shown to protect the killing ofB. burgdorferiby ceftriaxone, a powerful antibiotic commonly used to treat Lyme disease. In this study, we evaluated if fibroblast cells could also protect against the doxycycline+ cefuroxime+ daptomycin drug combination which has previously been shown to completely eradicate highly persistent biofilm-like microcolonies ofB. burgdorferi.To do so, we utilized a GFP-labeledB. burgdorferifor infection of murine fibroblast cells and assessed the effect of the drug combination on killing the bacteria in the presence or absence of the fibroblast cells. Surprisingly, we found that fibroblasts could protectB. burgdorferifrom being completely killed by the drug combination doxycycline, cefuroxime and daptomycin, which eradicatedB. burgdorfericompletely in the absence of fibroblast cells. Interestingly, addition of essential oil carvacrol or oregano at 0.1% could enhance the activity of the doxycycline+ cefuroxime+ daptomycin drug combination and led to complete eradication ofB. burgdorferieven in the presence of fibroblast cells. Further studies are needed to determine if the essential oil drug combinations could eradicate persistentB. burgdorferiinfection in vivo in animal models. Our study provides a useful and convenientex vivomodel for evaluating different drug regimens needed for developing more effective treatment of persistent Lyme disease in the future.
The Fusiform Gyrus Processes Faces Relative to an Overall Face Average and a Person Average
Authors: Shehzad Zarrar , Byeon Eunjoo , McCarthy Gregory
Published: December 2019

We are highly accurate at recognizing familiar faces even with large variation in visual presentation due to pose, lighting, hairstyle, etc. The neural basis of such within-person face variation has been largely unexplored. Building on prior behavioral work, we hypothesized that learning a person’s average face helps link the different instances of that person’s face into a coherent identity within face-selective regions within ventral occipitotemporal cortex (VOTC). To test this hypothesis, we measured brain activity using fMRI for eight well-known celebrities with 18 naturalistic photos per identity. Each photo was mapped into a face-space using a neural network where the Euclidean distance between photos corresponded with face similarity. We confirmed in a behavioral study that photos closer to a person’s average face in a face-space were judged to look more like that person. fMRI results revealed hemispheric differences in identity processing. The right fusiform face area (FFA) encoded face-likeness with brain signal increasing the closer a photo was to the average of all faces. This suggests that the right FFA pattern matches to an average face template. In contrast, the left FFA and left anterior fusiform gyrus (aFus) encoded person-likeness. The brain signal increased the further a photo was from the person’s average face weighted by the features most relevant for face identification. This suggests that the left FFA and aFUS processes an identity error signal. Our results encourage a new consideration of the left fusiform in face processing, specifically for within-person processing of face identity.
Effect Of Inflammatory Pain On Alcohol-Induced Dopamine Release In The Nucleus Accumbens: Behavioural Implications In Rat Models
Authors: Campos-Jurado Yolanda , Lorente Jesús David , González-Romero José Luis , Granero Luis , Polache Ana , Hipólito Lucía
Published: December 2019

Recent studies have drawn the attention to the link between Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and the presence of pain. Indeed, the correct management of pain in patients with a previous history of AUD has been reported to decrease the risk of relapse in alcohol drinking, suggesting that in this prone population, pain may increase the vulnerability to relapse. Previous data in male rats revealed that inflammatory pain desensitizes mu opioid receptors (MORs) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and increases intake of high doses of heroine. Due to the relevant role of MORs in alcohol effects, we hypothesize that pain may also alter alcohol reinforcing properties and therefore affect alcohol relapse in male rats. Our microdialysis studies show that the presence of inflammatory pain blunted the increase of extracellular dopamine levels in the Nucleus Accumbens induced by 1.5g/kg of ethanol (s.c.). Moreover, we also revealed that the administration of 52 nmol of ethanol into the VTA failed to induce place preference only in inflammatory pain-suffering animals, and a higher dose (70nmol) was necessary to reverse this effect. Finally, we evaluated the effect of inflammatory pain on the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) in long-term ethanol-experienced male rats. After four cycles of free ethanol intake and abstinence periods, inflammatory pain induced ADE without affecting its magnitude. These intriguing data reveals the impact of pain on neurochemical and behavioral effects following alcohol administration but also underscore the necessity of finding an appropriate paradigm to determine the long-term behavioral consequences.
Precise temporal regulation of post-transcriptional repressors is required for an orderlyDrosophilamaternal-to-zygotic transition
Authors: Cao Wen Xi , Kabelitz Sarah , Gupta Meera , Yeung Eyan , Lin Sichun , Rammelt Christiane , Ihling Christian , Pekovic Filip , Low Timothy C. H. , Siddiqui Najeeb U. , Cheng Matthew H. K. , Angers Stephane , Smibert Craig A. , Wühr Martin , Wahle Elmar , Lipshitz Howard D.
Published: December 2019

In animal embryos the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) hands developmental control from maternal to zygotic gene products. We show that the maternal proteome represents over half of the protein coding capacity of theDrosophila melanogastergenome and that 2% of this proteome is rapidly degraded during the MZT. Cleared proteins include the post-transcriptional repressors Cup, Trailer hitch (TRAL), Maternal expression at 31B (ME31B), and Smaug (SMG). While the ubiquitin-proteasome system is necessary for clearance of all four repressors, distinct E3 ligase complexes target them: the C-terminal to Lis1 Homology (CTLH) complex targets Cup, TRAL and ME31B for degradation early in the MZT; the Skp/Cullin/F-box-containing (SCF) complex targets SMG at the end of the MZT. Deleting the C-terminal 233 amino acids of SMG makes the protein immune to degradation. We show that artificially persistent SMG downregulates the zygotic re-expression of mRNAs whose maternal contribution is cleared by SMG. Thus, clearance of SMG permits an orderly MZT.
Collagen-based scaffolds with infused anti-VEGF release system as potential cornea substitute for high-risk keratoplasty: An in vitro evaluation
Authors: Buznyk Oleksiy , Azharuddin Mohammad , Islam Mohammad M. , Fagerholm Per , Pasyechnikova Nataliya , Patra Hirak K
Published: December 2019

Currently the only widely accepted corneal blindness treatment is to replace it by transplantation with human donor cornea. However, increasing shortage of donor corneas as well as high risk of rejection in some corneal diseases remain two major problems, which limit the success of corneal transplantation. Corneal neovascularization is considered as one of the main risk factors of graft failure. Different cell-free biosynthetic scaffolds fabricated from collagens or collagen-like peptides are being tested as donor cornea substitutes (DCS). Here, we report for the first-time composite biosynthetic DCS with integrated sustained release system of anti-VEGF drug, bevacizumab and their in vitro validation. We have tethered gold nanoparticles with bevacizumab and integrated into a collagen-based cell-free hydrogel scaffold. Developed grafts preserved good optical properties and were confirmed not toxic to human corneal epithelial cells. Bevacizumab has been shown to constantly releasing from the DCS up to 3 weeks and preserved its anti-angiogenic properties. These results provide background for further use of infused composite biosynthetic DCS with integrated nanosystem of bevacizumab sustained release in corneal disease accompanied by neovascularisation where conventional corneal transplantation might fail.
MARISA “Para ti, una delicia
Authors: Lopez Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2019

Learning outcomes

Distinguir las diferentes estrategias de expansión. Discutir cómo mantener la cultura y los valores en una empresa a pesar del paso del tiempo y del crecimiento. Analizar el mercado actual y los objetivos a largo plazo, así como los diferentes competidores de la marca. Tomar decisiones estratégicas a nivel corporativo.

Case overview/synopsis

Marisa® es una pastelería consolidada con una amplia variedad de productos de postre en Guadalajara, México. Ha logrado un rápido crecimiento y se ha diversificado con otras marcas, bien sea comprándolas o desarrollándolas. Los ejemplos son Tía Lola® (tortas económicas) y Dolce Natura® (helados artesanales). La fundadora de la compañía no solo ha mantenido el crecimiento y desarrollo de su marca, sino también sus valores y cultura organizacional, los cuales ha transmitido a sus 400 empleados. La compañía se encuentra actualmente en expansión.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or e-mail support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Cervecería Noi: Una Estrategia De Salida Al Mercado
Authors: Freitas Flavia D Albergaria , Mauro Paulo Arthur , Daltoé Kateline Ketne , Lopes João Ricardo da Costa , Almeida Victor M.C
Published: December 2019

Learning outcomes

Se espera que al final de la discusión sobre el caso los estudiantes alcancen los siguientes objetivos de aprendizaje: (a) diseñar el camino de salida al mercado identificando el rol de los intermediarios; (b) identificar las alternativas de distribución y los miembros clave del canal; (c) percibir las ventajas y desventajas de la intermediación y su despliegue en la gestión de canal.

Case overview/synopsis

El caso reporta el dilema que experimentó en 2013 Osmar Buzin, uno de los socios de la Cervecería Noi, cuyas cervezas de especialidad habían alcanzado prestigio entre sus clientes, principalmente en la ciudad de Niterói, Río de Janeiro, donde nació la compañía. Este éxito suscitó interés en otros mercados que querían vender sus productos. La oportunidad de expansión generó la necesidad de decidir cómo llegar a estos nuevos mercados: entregar directamente en los puntos de ventas, como se hacía previamente, o emplear distribuidores. Osmar sabía que podía contar con Gilmar Gutbrodt, su socio y maestro cervecero, y con Bianca Buzin, Gerente General de la cervecería, para evaluar juntos la mejor estrategia para llegar a nuevos mercados.

Complexity academic level

El caso se desarrolló para estimular la discusión sobre las decisiones y estrategias de canal, y se recomienda para estudiantes de MBA en cursos como Canales de Mercadeo o Mercadeo Comercial en Administración de Empresas.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
El dilema de la compañía de seguros LPCI Para proteger los intereses mutuos en México
Authors: López-Fernández Andrée Marie , Rajagopal Dr
Published: December 2019

Área temática

El área temática del estudio de caso es la gestión estratégica con énfasis en la satisfacción y valor agregado para las partes interesadas, así como el desempeño empresarial.

Resultados de aprendizaje esperados

Se espera que los estudiantes mejoren su comprensión en cuanto a que el rol de las empresas en términos de la protección de los derechos humanos es un factor clave para su responsabilidad social empresarial y para la consecución de sus objetivos. Se espera que los estudiantes también mejoren su comprensión sobre las implicaciones de operar en un área afectada por el conflicto y en un mercado emergente. Así mismo, se espera que aprendan que hacer negocios de manera efectiva requiere de un enfoque holístico frente a la dinámica empresarial.

Resumen del caso

El caso de la compañía aseguradora LPCI en México ilustra los desafíos que enfrentan las empresas al hacer negocios en entornos inestables y que cambian rápidamente. Las áreas afectadas por conflictos implican amenazas y oportunidades importantes para las empresas; sin embargo, depende de la empresa decidir si evitar el cambio y el riesgo o si, en su lugar, diseñar y ejecutar estrategias efectivas para abordar esos problemas externos. El caso se desarrolló de manera narrativa con el fin de demostrar las complejidades de los incidentes internos y las discusiones que ocurren en la sala de juntas, que llevan a la toma de decisiones y a la planeación estratégica.

Nivel de estudio/aplicabilidad

El estudio de caso ilustra los desafíos de las dinámicas empresariales en un mercado emergente. Es aplicable, en particular, para estudiantes de pregrado y postgrado en Administración.

Materiales complementarios

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Código de la materia

CSS 11: Estrategia
Bioenergetic potential assessment of the agricultural sector of the Ukrainian economy
Authors: Skrypnyk Andrii , Klymenko Nataliia , Talavyria Mykola , Goray Anastasia , Namiasenko Yurii
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the justification of objective assessment of the agricultural sector energetic potential, and the increasing of the accuracy of assessments results of energy resources of plant by-products.

Design/methodology/approach

The study of the problems of bioenergetic potential assessment in the study is carried out in the following order: first, the potential is assessed based upon the 2005-2017 year’s observation data; second, the energetic potential is assessed based upon linear and nonlinear optimization model; and finally, the assessment of the bioenergetic potential predicted values is carried out under the condition of the current pace of development of agricultural business by 2035.

Findings

The findings show that the solving of optimization tasks enabled us to make a comparison of the real structure of agricultural production and to justify the optimal structure of the cultivated areas under the conditions of agricultural business profit maximization with due allowance for both main and additional energy products. Using the linear trend model the predicted value of the agricultural sector energetic potential by the year 2035 is obtained. However, it is far more likely that the domestic bioenergetics will take a slower pace of development and to satisfy its own energy demands.

Practical implications

Based on the data of the reference interval of 2005-2018, the predicted values of biomass for 2035 were obtained in the amount of 28 million tons of oil equivalent, which taking into account the indices of generation efficiency, is sufficient to produce 104 billion kW-h.

Social implications

The use of biomass for energy generation can impact the local environment, for example, by affecting air quality, biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems and water quantity and quality and by changing the local use of land. Social impacts also may arise, notably by affecting local community livelihoods (for example, access to and use of land and resources), food security and economic parameters such as employment and poverty.

Originality/value

The paper presents for the first time the results of the empiric analysis of the Ukrainian sector bioenergetic potential formation that showed that even with respect to the losses during the energy generation, the agricultural production energetic potential will be enough to substitute nuclear national power engineering.
Walking the tightrope: how rebels “do” quality of care in healthcare organizations
Authors: Wallenburg Iris , Weggelaar Anne Marie , Bal Roland
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore and conceptualize how healthcare professionals and managers give shape to the increasing call for compassionate care as an alternative for system-based quality management systems. The research demonstrates how quality rebels craft deviant practices of good care and how they account for them.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic research was conducted in three Dutch hospitals, studying clinical groups that were identified as deviant: a nursing ward for infectious diseases, a mother–child department and a dialysis department. The research includes over 120 h of observation, 41 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus groups.

Findings

The research shows that rebels’ quality practices are an emerging set of collaborative activities to improving healthcare and meeting (individual) patient needs. They conduct “contexting work” to achieve their quality aims by expanding their normative work to outside domains. As rebels deviate from hospital policies, they are sometimes forced to act “under the radar” causing the risk of groupthink and may undermine the aim of public accounting.

Practical implications

The research shows that in order to come to more compassionate forms of care, organizations should allow for more heterogeneity accompanied with ongoing dialogue(s) on what good care yields as this may differ between specific fields or locations.

Originality/value

This is the first study introducing quality rebels as a concept to understanding social deviance in the everyday practices of doing compassionate and good care.
Interactive scenario analysis of banking credit risks in intuitive fuzzy space
Authors: Jalilian Negar , Zanjirchi Seyed Mahmoud , Goh Mark
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to bring attention to documentary credits and the efforts to reduce debt obligations in credit history is recognized as an important source of uncommitted bank earnings. Credit risk has a significant impact on the stability of the banking system. This paper identifies the types of credit risk in the banking supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors model the types of credit risk using the intuitive fuzzy failure modes and effects analysis (IFMEA) and intuitive fuzzy cognitive mapping. The population of the study that is needed for the interviews and expert panels comprises senior managers and experts of a leading bank in Iran. The respondents are experienced in credit and banking risk and were selected through judgment sampling and snowballing.

Findings

The findings suggest that reducing the risks of the foreign letters of credit contracts can mitigate the risk in the agricultural sector, the specific risks of rent-to-own contracts, the risk of the long-term facilities and the specific risk of the domestic letter of credit contracts.

Originality/value

This research investigates Iran Tejart Bank’s credit risk, formulates a model of the types of credit risk present and analyzes them using the intuitive fuzzy failure modes and effects analysis and intuitive fuzzy cognitive map. Through this credit risk model, one can then facilitate risk management for better financial stability. Also, the model can be used to evaluate the risk indicators.