bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Costos diferenciados de la austeridad según el género: Efectos del régimen de bienestar y de las políticas de empleo en países de la OCDE, 2000–2013
Authors: KUSHI Sidita , McMANUS Ian P.
Published: December 2018

Se propone un análisis pormenorizado del efecto diferenciado en el desempleo, según el género, de las políticas aplicadas durante la recesión económica en 28 países de la OCDE. Para determinar la influencia de los regímenes de bienestar se utilizan modelos de efectos aleatorios y datos de 2000 a 2013. Los resultados reflejan el efecto significativo del régimen de bienestar, incluso independientemente de la crisis, a través del nivel de gasto social y la dinámica del empleo público, que fundamentalmente afectan a la mujer. El análisis detenido de las políticas destaca la necesidad de alternativas a las políticas de austeridad; los autores concluyen con propuestas afines.
Un pacto entre dos mundos: El trabajo desde el domicilio y el funcionamiento familiar en Australia
Authors: DOCKERY Alfred M. , BAWA Sherry
Published: December 2018

Utilizando datos de panel de hogares de Australia recogidos entre 2001 y 2013 en 48 modelos multivariados, este estudio analiza cómo perciben el funcionamiento familiar las parejas de quienes trabajan desde el domicilio. Hay datos que demuestran el efecto benéfico de esta opción laboral sobre la relación de pareja y el reparto de las responsabilidades domésticas cuando hay hijos. Se observan pocos indicios de externalidades negativas, en especial cuando el asalariado varón trabaja muchas horas desde el domicilio. Las conclusiones contribuyen al peso de la evidencia de que el trabajo desde el domicilio mejora la conciliación del trabajo y la vida familiar.
Medición mediante un diseño cuasi experimental de la eficacia de un programa empresarial de inclusión de personas con discapacidad
Authors: FOLGUERA‐i‐BELLMUNT Conxita , FERNÁNDEZ‐i‐MARÍN Xavier , BATISTA‐FOGUET Joan Manuel
Published: December 2018

Se investiga un programa empresarial de inclusión de personas con discapacidad con objeto de reducir el absentismo por enfermedad y por lesión. Tras observaciones de campo y entrevistas para determinar las características del programa, se aplicó un diseño cuasi experimental con dos grupos de control no equivalentes sin tratamiento y una serie temporal de 2005–2012. Mediante regresión binomial negativa jerárquica y una variable de resultado retardada, se compararon los datos de los trabajadores con discapacidad participantes con los no participantes y con los trabajadores sin discapacidad. Observamos una reducción de las ausencias por enfermedad entre los participantes, y también de las ausencias por lesión, aunque con resultados menos concluyentes.
Compound motor action potential guided 240 seconds plus bonus freeze for safe and durable left atrial appendage isolation in patients with recurrent persistent atrial fibrillation: How to isolate the appendage with cryoballoon (the CMAP guided ICE‐B protocol)
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Schmidt Boris , Bordignon Stefano , Perrotta Laura , Bologna Fabrizio , Nagase Takahiko , Chun K. R. Julian
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone ablation strategy for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Ablation outside the PVs is sometimes needed particularly in persistent or longstanding AF. This study reported left atrial appendage isolation (LAAI) using cryoballoon (CB) focusing on technical data and short‐term clinical follow‐up.

Methods and results

Patients with recurrent persistent AF after multiple AF procedures were enrolled. LAAI was performed using the second generation CB guided by compound motor action potential (CMAP) and 240 seconds plus bonus freeze (ICE‐B) protocol. Ten patients were included, median age was 69.5 (56‐73) years, CHA2DS
2‐VASc score was 3 (1.8‐4), LA diameter was 44 (38.8‐46.5) mm. All patients had a mean of three AF procedures before the LAAI procedure. All patients were under successful CMAP guidance. During the CB LAAI procedure, the median time to LAA isolation was 100 (76‐270) seconds, minimal freeze temperature was −50 (−57 to −47)°C. A “pull‐down (or pull‐away)” CB maneuver was performed in all patients. Median fluoroscopic time was 4.8 (3.4‐6.8) minutes and acute LAAI success rate was 100%. No phrenic nerve injury or other major complications were observed. At 6‐week follow‐up, remapping of the LAA showed durable isolation of all PVs (100%), all patients were scheduled for LAA occlusion. Six‐month follow‐up showed that 80% of patients were free from AF/AT recurrence.

Conclusion

CMAP plus ICE‐B guided LAAI using cryo‐technology appears feasible and safe, results in durable LAAI, and shows promising clinical results in patients with recurrent persistent AF.
First record of the siricid Urocerus albicornis, an invasive alien pest, in the Czech Republic
Authors: Háva Jiří , Holuša Jaroslav
Published: December 2018

One male of the horntail wasp Urocerus albicornis was found in the Czech Republic in 2018. The male probably emerged from imported timber, although it may have originated from an established population because it was collected during the flight period.
Who Finances Durable Goods and Why It Matters: Captive Finance and the Coase Conjecture
Authors: MURFIN JUSTIN , PRATT RYAN
Published: December 2018

We propose that, by financing their own product sales through captive finance subsidiaries, durable goods manufacturers commit to higher resale values for their products in future periods. Using data on captive financing by the manufacturers of heavy equipment, we find that captive‐backed models have lower price depreciation. The evidence is consistent with captive finance helping manufacturers commit to ex‐post actions that support used machine prices. This, in turn, conveys higher pledgeability for captive‐backed products, even for individual machines financed by banks. Although motivated as a rent‐seeking device, captive financing generates positive spillovers by relaxing credit constraints.
Protein and peptide profiles in neonatal meconium
Authors: Lisowska‐Myjak Barbara , Skarżyńska Ewa , Wojdan Konrad , Nasierowska‐Guttmejer Anna
Published: December 2018

Aim

The proteins accumulated in the meconium reflect the intrauterine environment and are naturally excreted by a neonate. The identification and classification of individual meconium proteins may be a valuable source of information about physiological and pathological processes in utero.

Methods

Proteomic analysis was used to study the protein composition in pooled 50 serial meconium portions from 10 neonates. The proteins were classified based on the gene ontology database. The amounts and relative number of proteins (%) in the identified categories and their subcategories were assessed.

Results

A total of 946 proteins identified in meconium, including 430 represented by two or more peptides were classified into three categories: biological process (n = 401), molecular function (n = 386) and cellular component (n = 422). The highest number of proteins (>25% of the total) was found in the subcategories: developmental processes, signaling, transport, response to stimulus, regulation, metabolic processes, ion binding, extracellular region, membrane and cytoplasm.

Conclusion

The composition of meconium proteins identified in this study may be a rich source of new biomarkers for use in neonatology with a potential to predict later development.
Effect of sleep restriction on somatosensory sensitivity in the oro‐facial area: An experimental controlled study
Authors: Kamiyama Hirona , Iida Takashi , Nishimori Hideta , Kubo Hideyuki , Uchiyama Makoto , De Laat Antoon , Lavigne Gilles , Komiyama Osamu
Published: December 2018

Background

No studies have addressed the effect of SR on somatosensory function in the oro‐facial area.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sleep restriction (SR) on the somatosensory perception of the tip of the tongue.

Materials and Methods

Using a crossover study design, 13 healthy participants took part in a random order, to a two arms experiments: the SR and control/no SR‐arms. For all participants, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to assess sleepiness and mechanical sensitivity, and pain detection threshold was estimated at the tongue tip and right thumb (as a body area control site). In the SR‐arm of the study, on day one, we estimated sensory baseline perception and repeated tests on day two, after a night of voluntary SR, and on day 3, after a recovery night. In the second arm, same sensory tests were done but no SR was requested.

Results

Significantly more sleepiness was observed after SR in comparison with baseline and recovery testing days (P < 0.05). After SR, mechanical pain threshold on the tip of the tongue was significantly lower on day after SR (day 2) and a rebound, higher values, were observed on the third day (P < 0.05); no difference on thumb site. In the control arm, no SR and no significant differences between days were observed for all the variables of interest.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that SR may affect somatosensory perception in the oro‐facial area.
The symbiotic role of the actin filament cytoskeleton
Authors: Genre Andrea , Timmers Ton
Published: December 2018

This article is a Commentary on Zhang et al., 221: 1049–1059.
Dude, where is my mutant? Nicotiana benthamiana meets forward genetics
Authors: Derevnina Lida , Kamoun Sophien , Wu Chih‐hang
Published: December 2018

This article is a Commentary on Schultink et al., 221: 1001–1009.
Development and validation of a new glaucoma screening test using temporally modulated flicker
Authors: Fidalgo Bruno R , Jindal Anish , Tyler Christopher W , Ctori Irene , Lawrenson John G
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Describing the psychometric characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of the Accelerator 4‐Alternative Forced‐Choice Flicker Test prototype (A4FTp) for detecting chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG).

Methods

A4FTp measures temporally‐modulated flicker thresholds in regions of the visual field with high susceptibility to glaucomatous loss. We initially evaluated its psychometric properties on 20 normals (aged 33.8 ± 8.5 years) who were tested multiple times over a period of 3 months. All subjects underwent four repetitions for shorter (T8) and longer (T12) staircase termination criteria, to determine the most suitable threshold criterion. Four randomly selected subjects underwent a total of 10 repetitions to study test‐retest repeatability and learning effects. To determine its diagnostic accuracy, one eye of 40 participants with COAG and 38 normal controls were tested with the A4FTp in comparison with the Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT; C20‐5 programme) and iVue Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT). Tests were conducted in a random order with results masked to the clinician conducting the reference ophthalmic examination. The accuracy of each test was determined by analysis of the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

A4FTp flicker thresholds were stable, with standard deviations of only 0.52 decilog (dL) for T8, increasing to 1.32 dL for T12, and no significant flicker sensitivity threshold improvement over the 10 repeat runs. T8 was superior to T12 on several other measures, so it was used for the remaining comparisons. In terms of diagnostic accuracy, the mean AUROC for the three tests were A4FTp [T8 criterion; 0.82, 95% confidence interval (0.73–0.92)]; SD‐OCT [any RNFL parameter p < 1% level; 0.90 (0.83–0.97)]; and FDT [one or more locations missed at p < 5% level; 0.91 (0.82–0.96)]. There was no statistical difference in AUROC between A4FTp and SD‐OCT (p = 0.18) or FDT (p = 0.12). The A4FTp test duration averaged just over 2 min per eye, taking approximately one‐third of the time for completion of the HFA SITA 24‐2 algorithm (conducted as part of the reference examination) and twice the time for the suprathreshold FDT.

Conclusion

Test accuracy for the A4FTp was comparable to those of the FDT and SD‐OCT for the detection of COAG. Time taken to complete the A4FTp was relatively short and initial results are promising. With further refinement, the A4FTp could have a future role in glaucoma detection.
Learning patterns in early stage R&D projects: empirical evidence from the fibre raw material technology project in the Netherlands
Authors: M. H. Chappin Maryse , Faber Jan , T. H. Meeus Marius
Published: December 2018

Past research has reported that learning processes in early stage R&D are either chaotic, or absent. We challenge this finding by elaborating Van de Ven et al.’s trial‐and‐error learning model and explore an alternative conceptualization. We explored the combinations of positive and negative outcomes and action course continuation and modification. We use data gathered in an R&D setting of a 4‐years pre‐competitive knowledge generation project in the Dutch paper and board industry. Whereas the Van de Ven and Polley (1992) approach applied on our data also would lead us to conclude that ‘no learning’ would happen, our decomposed model identified three distinct learning patterns: (1) a virtuous pattern of positive outcomes resulting in continuations of action courses; (2) a vacuous pattern of negative outcomes resulting in modifications of action courses; and (3) a verification pattern of positive outcomes resulting in modifications of action courses. We observed the virtuous and verification patterns during the first 2 years and virtuous and vacuous learning in the second 2 years. These results might be useful for R&D managers since they provide insight into how an early stage R&D project can develop and where managers might intervene and adjust action courses.
Efficient generation of CLPG1‐edited rabbits using the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Wan Yongjie , Guo Rihong , Deng Mingtian , Liu Zhifei , Pang Jing , Zhang Guomin , Wang Zhibo , Wang Feng
Published: December 2018

Contents

The sheep callipyge (CLPG) phenotype, a well‐known muscular hypertrophy syndrome, is caused by an A‐to‐G transition in the CLPG1 locus. The mechanisms of CLPG phenotype are very complicated and remain to be further studied. Lacking suitable animal models containing CLPG mutations may partially contribute to these unanswered mechanisms. In this study, we confirmed that the CLPG1 locus, especially the 12‐bp CLPG1 motif, is conserved in mammalian animals including rabbit. Then, we generated seven CLPG1‐edited rabbits with 100% efficiency using CRISPR/Cas9 system combined with cytoplasm injection technology. All the newborn rabbits were mosaicism with numerous kinds of mutations around the target sites. Among the nine screened potential off‐target sites (POTs) for the two sgRNAs used in this study, none off‐target effect was detected. This indicated that we efficiently and precisely generated CLPG1‐edited rabbits, and we believe that these newly generated rabbits will do help to unravel the mechanisms of the CLPG phenotype in the future.
Predictive Modeling and Categorizing Likelihoods of Quarantine Pest Introduction of Imported Propagative Commodities from Different Countries
Authors: Kim ByeongJoon , Hong Seung Cheon , Egger Daniel , Katsar Catherine S. , Griffin Robert L.
Published: December 2018

The present study investigates U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection records in the Agricultural Quarantine Activity System database to estimate the probability of quarantine pests on propagative plant materials imported from various countries of origin and to develop a methodology ranking the risk of country–commodity combinations based on quarantine pest interceptions. Data collected from October 2014 to January 2016 were used for developing predictive models and validation study. A generalized linear model with Bayesian inference and a generalized linear mixed effects model were used to compare the interception rates of quarantine pests on different country–commodity combinations. Prediction ability of generalized linear mixed effects models was greater than that of generalized linear models. The estimated pest interception probability and confidence interval for each country–commodity combination was categorized into one of four compliance levels: “High,” “Medium,” “Low,” and “Poor/Unacceptable,” Using K‐means clustering analysis. This study presents risk‐based categorization for each country–commodity combination based on the probability of quarantine pest interceptions and the uncertainty in that assessment.
Transmission of hepatitis C virus in the dialysis setting and strategies for its prevention
Authors: Nguyen Duc B. , Bixler Danae , Patel Priti R.
Published: December 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common among hemodialysis patients than the general population and transmission of HCV in dialysis clinics has been reported. In the context of the increased morbidity and mortality associated with HCV infection in the end stage renal disease population, it is important that dialysis clinics have processes in place for ensuring recommended infection control practices, including Standard Precautions, through regular audits and training of the staff. This review will summarize the epidemiology of HCV infection and risk factors for HCV transmission among hemodialysis patients. In addition, the proper protocols are required to investigate suspected cases of HCV transmission in dialysis facilities and recommendations for prevention of HCV transmission in will be reviewed.
Lotus SHAGGY‐like kinase 1 is required to suppress nodulation in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Garagounis Constantine , Tsikou Daniela , Plitsi Panagiota K. , Psarrakou Ioanna S. , Avramidou Marianna , Stedel Catalina , Anagnostou Maria , Georgopoulou Maria E. , Papadopoulou Kalliope K.
Published: December 2018

Glycogen synthase kinase/SHAGGY‐like kinases (SKs) are a highly conserved family of signaling proteins that participate in many developmental, cell‐differentiation, and metabolic signaling pathways in plants and animals. Here, we investigate the involvement of SKs in legume nodulation, a process requiring the integration of multiple signaling pathways. We describe a group of SKs in the model legume Lotus japonicus (LSKs), two of which respond to inoculation with the symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacterium Mesorhizobium loti. RNAi knock‐down plants and an insertion mutant for one of these genes, LSK1, display increased nodulation. Ηairy‐root lines overexpressing LSK1 form only marginally fewer mature nodules compared with controls. The expression levels of genes involved in the autoregulation of nodulation (AON) mechanism are affected in LSK1 knock‐down plants at low nitrate levels, both at early and late stages of nodulation. At higher levels of nitrate, these same plants show the opposite expression pattern of AON‐related genes and lose the hypernodulation phenotype. Our findings reveal an additional role for the versatile SK gene family in integrating the signaling pathways governing legume nodulation, and pave the way for further study of their functions in legumes.
ICE1 and ZOU determine the depth of primary seed dormancy in Arabidopsis independently of their role in endosperm development
Authors: MacGregor Dana R. , Zhang Naichao , Iwasaki Mayumi , Chen Min , Dave Anuja , Lopez‐Molina Luis , Penfield Steven
Published: December 2018

Seed dormancy is a widespread and key adaptive trait that is essential for the establishment of soil seed banks and prevention of pre‐harvest sprouting. Herein we demonstrate that the endosperm‐expressed transcription factors ZHOUPI (ZOU) and INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION1 (ICE1) play a role in determining the depth of primary dormancy in Arabidopsis. We show that ice1 or zou increases seed dormancy and the double mutant has an additive phenotype. This increased dormancy is associated with increased ABA levels, and can be separated genetically from any role in endosperm maturation because loss of ABA biosynthesis or DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 reverses the dormancy phenotype without affecting the aberrant seed morphology. Consistent with these results, ice1 endosperms had an increased capacity for preventing embryo greening, a phenotype previously associated with an increase in endospermic ABA levels. Although ice1 changes the expression of many genes, including some in ABA biosynthesis, catabolism and/or signalling, only ABA INSENSITIVE 3 is significantly misregulated in ice1 mutants. We also demonstrate that ICE1 binds to and inhibits expression of ABA INSENSITIVE 3. Our data demonstrate that Arabidopsis ICE1 and ZOU determine the depth of primary dormancy during maturation independently of their effect on endosperm development.
HLA‐selected platelets for platelet refractory patients with HLA antibodies: a single‐center experience
Authors: Karlström Cecilia , Linjama Tiina , Edgren Gustaf , Lauronen Jouni , Wikman Agneta , Höglund Petter
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Platelet refractoriness due to HLA immunization represents a problem in transfusion management of thrombocytopenic hematology patients. Refractory patients can be managed by HLA‐selected platelet transfusions, but the optimal matching strategy is debated and how the degree of HLA mismatch influences transfusion outcome is poorly studied.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 32 hematology patients who received 142 matched platelet units between 2007 and 2016. Four matching strategies were compared: 1) genomic HLA typing at the two digit level, performed using polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probing; 2) serologic “eplet score” calculated using HLAMatchmaker; 3) cross‐matching using lymphocyte cytotoxicity; and 4) matching based on donor‐specific antibody (DSA) specificity, determined using Luminex. A 1‐hour corrected count increment (CCI) of more than 7.5 × 109/L was considered a successful response.

RESULTS

Selection of platelets with either a complete HLA match or an acceptable HLA mismatch based on genomic typing and DSA information, each predicted 86% successful transfusion responses. For HLA‐mismatched transfusions, the eplet score correlated with CCI and the fraction of successful transfusions, but less well compared to DSA matching. Cytotoxic crossmatching was least predictive. For transfusions across one to four DSAs, the antibody reaction strength correlated with the 1‐hour CCI, but many transfusions were successful despite the presence of DSA.

CONCLUSION

A complete HLA‐A and ‐B match or an acceptable mismatch based on DSA should guide identification of donors. Still, transfusions across DSAs are often successful, emphasizing that the presence of DSA is necessary but not sufficient for platelet clearance.
Study on Thallium Bromide Radioactive Detector
Authors: Li-xia He , Xiao-yong Hao , Gao-kui He
Published: December 2018

Thallium bromide (TlBr) is a compound semiconductor material, which can be used for X-ray and gamma-ray detectors and can be used at room temperature. It has excellent physical properties, high atomic number and density, wide bandgap (B = 2.68 eV), and low ionization energy. Compared with other X-ray and gamma-ray detection materials, TlBr devices have high detection efficiency and excellent energy resolution performance. So TlBr is suitable for housing in small tubes or shells, and it can be widely used in nuclear material measurement, safeguards verification, national security, space high-energy physics research, and other fields. Based on the fabrication of TlBr prototype detector, this paper focuses on the device fabrication and signal acquisition technology. Gamma-ray spectrum measurements and performance tests are carried out with AM-241 radioactive source. The results show that the special photoelectric peak of 59.5 keV is clearly visible, and the optimal resolution is 4.15 keV (7%).
The Effect of Block Versus Daily Undulating Periodization on Strength and Performance in Adolescent Football Players
Authors: Gavanda Simon , Geisler Stephan , Quittmann Oliver Jan , Schiffer Thorsten
Published: December 2018

Purpose: Muscle mass, strength, and power are important factors for performance. To improve these characteristics, periodized resistance training is used. However, there is no consensus regarding the most effective periodization model. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of block (BLOCK) vs daily undulating periodization (DUP) on body composition, hypertrophy, strength, performance, and power in adolescent American football players. Methods: A total of 47 subjects participated in this study (mean [SD] age = 17 [0.8] y, strength training experience = 0.93 [0.99] y). Premeasurements and postmeasurements consisted of body mass (BM); fat mass; relative fat mass; fat-free mass (FFM); muscle mass (MM); muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and triceps brachii (TB); 1-repetition-maximum back squat (BS) and bench press (BP); countermovement jump (CMJ); estimated peak power (Wpeak) from vertical jump performance; medicine-ball put (MBP); and 40-yd sprint. Subjects were randomly assigned in either the BLOCK or DUP group prior to the 12-wk intervention period consisting of 3 full-body sessions per week. Results: Both groups displayed significantly higher BM (P < .001), FFM (P < .001), MM (P < .001), RF (P < .001), VL (P < .001), TB (P < .001), BS (P < .001), BP (P < .001), CMJ (P < .001), Wpeak (P < .001), and MBP (P < .001) and significantly lower sprint times (P < .001) after 12 wk of resistance training, with no difference between groups. Conclusions: Resistance training was effective to increase muscle mass, strength, power, and performance in adolescent athletes. BLOCK and DUP affect anthropometric measures and physical performance equally.
Chapter 6: Recruitment in PETE: Interview Results and Discussion
Authors: Kern Ben D. , Richards K. Andrew R. , Ayers Suzan F. , Killian Chad M.
Published: December 2018

Background/Purpose: Physical education teacher education (PETE) programs have experienced enrollment decline, leading some PETE faculty to consider increasing efforts to recruit new students to their programs. This aspect of the current study sought to investigate PETE program coordinators’ perceptions of possible causes for decreased PETE enrollments as well as their role in, and barriers to, recruiting preservice teachers.Methods: Thirty-six PETE program coordinators (12 males and 24 females) participated in in-depth interviews. The data were coded using a standard interpretative approach grounded in inductive analysis and constant comparison.Results: PETE faculty members perceived declining enrollments to be related to negative public perceptions of education, low-quality K-12 physical education, academically unprepared PETE students, and restructuring programs to emphasize other kinesiology areas. Though compelled to recruit, PETE coordinators questioned their responsibility to do so and reported lacking time and training to be effective.Discussion/Conclusions: PETE coordinators favor recruiting strategies that are less time-intensive and match their academic skill set.
Direct brain recordings reveal prefrontal cortex dynamics of memory development
Authors: Johnson E. L. , Tang L. , Yin Q. , Asano E. , Ofen N.
Published: December 2018

Intracranial EEG provides spatiotemporally precise evidence that prefrontal cortex maturation partially drives memory development.
Cell type–dependent bimodal p53 activation engenders a dynamic mechanism of chemoresistance
Authors: Yang Ruizhen , Huang Bo , Zhu Yanting , Li Yang , Liu Feng , Shi Jue
Published: December 2018

A new chemoresistance mechanism via bimodal p53 activation is attributed to differential output of a four-component control module.
Intraoperative visualization of the tumor microenvironment and quantification of extracellular vesicles by label-free nonlinear imaging
Authors: Sun Yi , You Sixian , Tu Haohua , Spillman Darold R. , Chaney Eric J. , Marjanovic Marina , Li Joanne , Barkalifa Ronit , Wang Jianfeng , Higham Anna M. , Luckey Natasha N. , Cradock Kimberly A. , George Liu Z. , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: December 2018

Intraoperative imaging of tumor microenvironment reveals correlations between extracellular vesicle density and breast pathology.
An anthropomorphic soft skeleton hand exploiting conditional models for piano playing
Authors: Hughes J. A. E. , Maiolino P. , Iida F.
Published: December 2018

Conditional models provide a method of achieving varying behaviors by using hybrid and passive mechanical structures.
Chasing biomimetic locomotion speeds: Creating untethered soft robots with shape memory alloy actuators
Authors: Huang Xiaonan , Kumar Kitty , Jawed Mohammad K. , Nasab Amir M. , Ye Zisheng , Shan Wanliang , Majidi Carmel
Published: December 2018

Untethered soft robots using compliant lightweight actuators are capable of dynamic locomotion at biologically relevant speeds.
Electro-ribbon actuators and electro-origami robots
Authors: Taghavi Majid , Helps Tim , Rossiter Jonathan
Published: December 2018

Insulated conducting ribbons can be used to make powerful, versatile, ultrathin actuators and smart origami structures.
Anti-obesity effects of GIPR antagonists alone and in combination with GLP-1R agonists in preclinical models
Authors: Killion Elizabeth A. , Wang Jinghong , Yie Junming , Shi Stone D.-H. , Bates Darren , Min Xiaoshan , Komorowski Renee , Hager Todd , Deng Liying , Atangan Larissa , Lu Shu-Chen , Kurzeja Robert J. M. , Sivits Glenn , Lin Joanne , Chen Qing , Wang Zhulun , Thibault Stephen A. , Abbott Christina M. , Meng Tina , Clavette Brandon , Murawsky Christopher M. , Foltz Ian N. , Rottman James B. , Hale Clarence , Véniant Murielle M. , Lloyd David J.
Published: December 2018

Antibody antagonists of the insulinotropic receptor GIPR prevent weight gain in obese animal models, and the effect is enhanced by GLP-1R agonists.
Comment on “The impact of past vaccination coverage and immunity on pertussis resurgence”
Authors: Winter Kathleen , Klein Nicola P. , Ackley Sarah , Cherry James D.
Published: December 2018

A recently published study does not accurately model the resurgence of pertussis observed in the United States due to the lack of acellular pertussis vaccine recipients in the study cohort.
MSH2
Gene Point Mutations Are Not Antifungal Resistance Markers in
Candida glabrata
Authors: Bordallo-Cardona María Ángeles , Agnelli Caroline , Gómez-Nuñez Ana , Sánchez-Carrillo Carlos , Bouza Emilio , Muñoz Patricia , Escribano Pilar , Guinea Jesús
Published: December 2018

The high rates of antifungal resistance in
Candida glabrata
may be facilitated by the presence of alterations in the
MSH2
gene. We aimed to study the sequence of the
MSH2
gene in 124 invasive
C. glabrata
isolates causing incident episodes of candidemia (
n
= 81), subsequent candidemia episodes (
n
= 9), endocarditis (
n
= 2), and
in vitro
-generated echinocandin-resistant isolates (
n
= 32) and assessed its relationship with genotypes, acquisition of antifungal resistance
in vivo
and
in vitro
, and patient prognosis.
Cidofovir Diphosphate Inhibits Adenovirus 5 DNA Polymerase via both Nonobligate Chain Termination and Direct Inhibition, and Polymerase Mutations Confer Cidofovir Resistance on Intact Virus
Authors: Chamberlain Jeffrey M. , Sortino Katherine , Sethna Phiroze , Bae Andrew , Lanier Randall , Bambara Robert A. , Dewhurst Stephen
Published: December 2018

Human adenovirus (AdV) can cause fatal disease in immune-suppressed individuals, but treatment options are limited, in part because the antiviral cytidine analog cidofovir (CDV) is nephrotoxic. The investigational agent brincidofovir (BCV) is orally bioavailable, nonnephrotoxic, and generates the same active metabolite, cidofovir diphosphate (CDVpp).
Parvulin 14 and Parvulin 17 Bind to HBx and cccDNA and Upregulate Hepatitis B Virus Replication from cccDNA to Virion in an HBx-Dependent Manner
Authors: Saeed Umar , Kim Jumi , Piracha Zahra Zahid , Kwon Hyeonjoong , Jung Jaesung , Chwae Yong-Joon , Park Sun , Shin Ho-Joon , Kim Kyongmin
Published: December 2018

The HBx protein plays an essential regulatory role in HBV replication. We found that substrate-binding residues on the human parvulin peptidylprolyl
cis
/
trans
isomerase proteins Par14 and Par17 bound to conserved arginine-proline (RP) motifs on HBx in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria. The HBx-Par14/Par17 interaction stabilized HBx; promoted its translocation to the nucleus and mitochondria; and stimulated multiple steps of HBV replication, including cccDNA formation, HBV RNA and DNA synthesis, and virion secretion. In addition, in the presence of HBx, the Par14 and Par17 proteins bound to cccDNA and promoted its transcriptional activation. Our results suggest that inhibition or knockdown of Par14 and Par17 may represent a novel therapeutic option against HBV infection.
M Segment-Based Minigenomes and Virus-Like Particle Assays as an Approach To Assess the Potential of Tick-Borne
Phlebovirus
Genome Reassortment
Authors: Rezelj Veronica V. , Mottram Timothy J. , Hughes Joseph , Elliott Richard M. , Kohl Alain , Brennan Benjamin
Published: December 2018

In recent years, there has been a large expansion in the number of emerging tick-borne viruses that are assigned to the
Phlebovirus
genus. Bunyaviruses have a tripartite segmented genome, and infection of the same host cell by two closely related bunyaviruses can, in theory, result in eight progeny viruses with different genome segment combinations. We used genome analogues expressing reporter genes to assess the abilities of
Phlebovirus
nucleocapsid protein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to recognize the untranslated region of a genome segment of a related phlebovirus, and we used virus-like particle assays to assess whether viral glycoproteins can package genome analogues of related phleboviruses. Our results provide strong evidence that these emerging pathogens could reassort their genomes if they were to meet in nature in an infected host or vector. This reassortment process could result in viruses with new pathogenic properties.
An autopsy report of basilar artery aneurysm flow diversion complicated by postoperative day 3 hemorrhage from vessel rupture
Authors: Rehman Azeem A , Turner Ryan C , Wright Stephanie , Boo SoHyun , Rai Ansaar T
Published: December 2018

A middle-aged patient presented with posterior circulation symptoms attributable to a large eccentric basilar trunk aneurysm. The planned treatment was flow diversion with loose coil packing which was successfully performed using a Pipeline Flex device deployed from the basilar to the left posterior cerebral artery. The complete procedure including live biplane fluoroscopy was digitally recorded. The patient had symptomatic improvement postoperatively and was discharged on day 1. The patient suffered a cardiac arrest on postoperative day 3 secondary to massive intraventricular and subarachnoid hemorrhage. An aneurysm rupture was suspected; however, postmortem examination showed an intact aneurysm sac. The hemorrhage was attributed to a small focal rent in the distal basilar artery next to an atheromatous plaque. The Pipeline device was visible through the rent. This is an autopsy report documenting an injury to the parent artery and not the aneurysm as a source of fatal delayed subarachnoid hemorrhage following flow diversion.
Repair of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow with internal brace augmentation: a 5-year follow-up
Authors: Wilson William T , Hopper Graeme P , Byrne Paul A , MacKay Gordon M
Published: December 2018

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary restraint to valgus angulation at the elbow. Injury to the UCL is increasingly common and can lead to instability, especially in athletes involved in overhead throwing. Conventional treatment is reconstruction using tendon autograft but performance levels are often restricted after long periods of rehabilitation. Modern surgical techniques have led to renewed interest in repair of the ligament, with the aim of restoring native anatomy. This has the benefit of retained proprioception and no graft harvest morbidity. Furthermore, augmentation of the repair with an Internal Brace protects the healing ligament, while allowing early rehabilitation and accelerated return to play. Here we present the first patient treated with this technique who achieved excellent recovery with return to college level American Football after 4 months. Five years later he has good elbow function and plays at the same level.
Primary cutaneous ‘ulcerative’ tuberculosis of the scrotum: a rare occurrence
Authors: Khan Amena , Singaraddi Ramesh , Shetty Deviprasad , Rodrigues Gabriel
Published: December 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global disease and if not adequately treated can lead to morbidity and mortality. Though genitourinary TB is common and only next to pulmonary TB, cutaneous ‘ulcerative’ tuberculosis of the scrotum is not reported so far in the literature. We present a 32-year-old man with a non-healing scrotal ulcer and underwent excision. Histopathology was consistent with TB. Antitubercular therapy was given and at the end of a year’s follow-up, there has been no recurrence. TB of the scrotum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal ulcers. Proper diagnosis and adequate treatment will offer a cure to such patients.
Systematic review to investigate the safety of induction and augmentation of labour among pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia
Authors: Bunch Kathryn , Roberts Nia , Knight Marian , Nair Manisha
Published: December 2018

Objective

To conduct a systematic review to investigate the safety of induction and/or augmentation of labour compared with spontaneous-onset normal labour among pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

Studies from all countries, worldwide.

Population

Pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia at labour and delivery.

Intervention

Any intervention related to induction and/or augmentation of labour.

Outcome measures

Primary: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), heart failure and maternal death. Secondary: Emergency caesarean section, hysterectomy, admission to intensive care unit.

Method

We searched 10 databases, including Medline and Embase, from database inception to 1 October 2018. We included all study designs except cross-sectional studies without a comparator group, case reports, case series, ecological studies, and expert opinion. The searches were conducted by a healthcare librarian and two authors independently screened and reviewed the studies. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approachto ascertain risk of bias and conducted a narrative synthesis.

Results

We identified 3217 journal articles, 223 conference papers, 45 dissertations and 218 registered trials. Ten articles were included for full-text review and only one was found to fulfil the eligibility criteria. This was a retrospective cohort study from India, which showed that pregnant women with moderate and severe anaemia could have an increased risk of PPH if they underwent induction and/or augmentation of labour, but the evidence was weak (graded as ‘high risk of bias’).

Conclusion

The best approach is to prevent anaemia, but a large number of women in low-to-middle-income countries present with severe anaemia during labour. In such women, appropriate peripartum management could prevent complications and death. Our review showed that at present we do not know if induction and augmentation of labour is safe in pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia and further research is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015032421.
Factors influencing variation in investigations after a negative CT brain scan in suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage: a qualitative study
Authors: Chu Kevin , Windsor Carol , Fox Jennifer , Howell Tegwen , Keijzers Gerben , Eley Robert , Kinnear Frances , Furyk Jeremy , Thom Ogilvie , Brown Nathan J , Brown Anthony F T
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Variation in the approach to the patient with a possible subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has been previously documented. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence emergency physicians’ decisions about diagnostic testing after a normal CT brain scan for ED patients with a headache suspicious of a SAH.

Methods

We conducted an interview-based qualitative study informed by social constructionist theory. Fifteen emergency physicians from six EDs across Queensland, Australia, underwent individual face-to-face or telephone interviews. Content analysis was performed whereby transcripts were examined and coded independently by two co-investigators, who then jointly agreed on the influencing factors.

Results

Six categories of influencing factors were identified. Patient interaction was at the forefront of the identified factors. This shared decision-making process incorporated ‘what the patient wants’ but may be biased by how the clinician communicates the benefits and harms of the diagnostic options to the patient. Patient risk profile, practice evidence and guidelines were also important. Other influencing factors included experiential factors of the clinician, consultation with colleagues and external influences where practice location and work processes impose constraints on test ordering external to the preferences of the clinician or patient. The six categories were organised within a conceptual framework comprising four components: the context, the evidence, the experience and the decision.

Conclusions

When clinicians are faced with a diagnostic challenge, such as the workup of a patient with suspected SAH, there are a number of influencing factors that can result in a variation in approach. These need to be considered in approaches to improve the appropriateness and consistency of medical care.
Inappropriate behaviours experienced by doctors while undertaking specialty training
Authors: Abhary Sotoodeh , Botti Mari , Dhulia Anjali , Loh Erwin , Catford John
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To explore inappropriate behaviours experienced during specialty training in Australia and their implications for doctors’ training experiences and outcomes. This is a subset of data from a larger study exploring experiences of doctors in Australian specialty training—a qualitative study of enablers, stressors and supports.

Methods

In this qualitative study, registrars in specialist training programmes in Australia were invited and interviewed between August 2015 and August 2016. Semistructured open-ended questions were used to explore topics of relevance to their workplace, training, support service use and personal lives. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, de-identified and content and thematic analysis undertaken. Recruitment was ceased when data saturation was reached and no new themes emerged. Key themes related to inappropriate behaviours experienced during specialty training are reported in this study.

Results

17 participants were recruited (including one Indigenous and one international medical graduate). A total of six specialty training programmes across multiple states at various locations across Australia were represented in this cohort. Almost all participants reported confronting (personally experienced or witnessed) inappropriate behaviours during their training, perpetrated most commonly by senior doctors. Key themes of inappropriate behaviour that emerged were belittling and humiliation, sexually inappropriate behaviour, inappropriate behaviour as part of the ‘culture’ of medicine, reluctance to raise concerns due to fear of recrimination, and impacts of inappropriate behaviour.

Conclusion

Varying inappropriate behaviours were experienced by doctors in specialty training, having implications for their psychological well-being. A multidimensional and multisystem approach is required in the management of this serious issue.
Determinants of emergency department disposition of patients with traumatic brain injury in Uganda: results from a registry
Authors: Mehmood Amber , Zia Nukhba , Kobusingye Olive , Namaganda Rukia H , Ssenyonjo Hussein , Kiryabwire Joel , Hyder Adnan A
Published: December 2018

Background

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common cause of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions in Kampala, Uganda. The objective of this study was to assess determinants of ED discharge disposition based on patient demographic and injury characteristics. Four ED outcomes were considered: discharge home, hospital admission, death, and others.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, from May 2016 to July 2017. Patients of all age groups presenting with TBI were included. Patient demographics, external causes of injury, TBI characteristics, and disposition from EDs were noted. Injury severity was estimated using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Kampala Trauma Score (KTS), and the Revised Trauma Score (RTS). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate conditional ORs of hospital admission, death, and other dispositions compared with the reference category “discharged home”.

Results

A total of 3944 patients were included in the study with a male versus female ratio of 5.5:1 and a mean age of 28.5 years (SD=14.2). Patients had closed head injuries in 62.9% of cases. The leading causes of TBIs were road traffic crashes (58.8%) and intentional injuries (28.7%). There was no significant difference between the four discharge categories with respect to age, sex, mode of arrival, cause of TBI, place of injury, type of head injury, transport time, and RTS (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the four discharge categories for a number of serious injuries, GCS on arrival, change in GCS, and KTS. In a multinomial logistic regression model, change in GCS, area of residence, number of serious injuries, and KTS were significant predictors of ED disposition.

Discussion

This study provides evidence that ED disposition of patients with TBI is differentially affected by injury characteristics and is largely dependent on injury severity and change in GCS during ED stay.

Level of evidence

Level II.
MicroRNA-34a attenuates VEGF-mediated retinal angiogenesis via targeting Notch1
Authors: Shi Shaoyang , Jin Yong , Song Haishan , Chen Xiaolong
Published: December 2018

Pathological angiogenesis in the retina is one of the main ocular diseases closely associated with vision loss. This work investigated the roles of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) and its potential target Notch1, in retinal angiogenesis. For this we used oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) rats and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) stimulated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We performed hematoxylin–eosin staining, Western blot for VEGF, and immunofluorescence staining for CD31 to verify the establishment of our OIR model. We observed down-regulation of miR-34a, and up-regulation of Notch1 and Hey1 in retinas from OIR rats. We found similar results with the VEGF-stimulated HRMECs. By performing MTT assay, cell scratch assay, tube formation assay, and by detecting the expression of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2, we found that transfection of miR-34a ameliorated VEGF-mediated angiogenesis of HRMECs. We further observed that siRNA-induced gene silencing of Notch1 prevented VEGF-induced angiogenesis via regulating cell proliferation, cell migration, and tube formation of HRMECs. Additionally, activation of Notch1 by transfection of Notch1 plasmid attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-34a on tube formation, in the present of VEGF. Results from our dual-luciferase reporter gene assay suggested that miR-34a targets Notch1. In summary, our data demonstrate that miR-34a attenuates retinal angiogenesis via targeting Notch1.