bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology of percutaneous cannulated screw implantation using screw view model of navigation in Garden type I of femoral neck fracture
Authors: Yu Tong , Yuan Bao-Ming , Zhang Xi-Wen , Wang Dong-Sheng , Jiang Yi-Kun , Dong Rong-Peng , Kang Ming-Yang , Zhao Xin , Zhao Jian-Wu
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous cannulated screw (PCS) implantation assisted by screw view model of navigation (SVMN) to treat femoral neck fracture (FNF).

Patient concerns:

A 42-year-old male patient suffered from a high falling injury, causing pain, swelling, deformity, and limited mobility on his right hip.

Diagnoses:

He was diagnosed with Garden type I of FNF.

Interventions:

PCS implantation assisted by SVMN was used to treat fracture of femoral neck in this patient.

Outcomes:

The follow up lasted for 48 months. A total of 3 screws were inserted into femoral neck, all exhibiting excellent position. The mean screw deviation was 0.43° and 5.73° of femoral neck-shaft and anteversion angle, respectively. The guide wire drilling attempt of each screw was one-time. The fluoroscopic time lasted 6.3 minutes, the Harris hip scores improved from 67 to 88, and the blood loss was 35 mL. It took 11.7 minutes for designing the screws, 13.9 minutes for implanting the guide wires, and 37.3 minutes for placing the screws. No clinical complications were found during 48-month follow-up visit, including head penetration, implant failure, fracture nonunion, and femoral head osteonecrosis.

Lessons:

The study revealed that SVMN is conducive to the PCS insertion for FNF. Our lesson is that the FNF must be well reduction before SVMN assisted PCS placement.
Primary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the upper ureter
Authors: Choi Jae Hwi , Sol Yoon , Lee Sin Woo , Jeh Seong Uk , Hwa Jeong Seok , Hyun Jae Seog , Chung Ky Hyun , Seo Deok Ha , Yang Jung Wook , Song Dae Hyun , Choi See Min
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

The incidence of primary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is extremely rare in the urinary tract. In the present study, we investigated a case of primary LCNEC associated with the upper ureter.

Patient concern:

A 58-year-old Korean female patient with right ureter mass, which was accidentally detected. An enhancing mass measuring 3.3 cm in size was found in the computed tomography (CT) scan. No definitive evidence of lymph node and distant metastasis was observed.

Diagnosis:

Histopathological analysis revealed large atypical epithelial cells in upper ureter mass, based on neuroendocrine morphology. Immunohistochemistry was positive for synaptophysin, CD 56, and cytokeratin. Accordingly, the upper ureter mass was finally diagnosed as LCNEC stage III, pT3 cN0 cM0.

Intervention:

Right nephroureterectomy was conducted.

Outcomes:

Multiple metastatic lesions were detected in the right adrenal, paracaval, and right pararenal space of the patient in a CT scan 3 months post-surgery. The patient chemotherapy and radiation therapy were proceeded for metastatic and recurred mass. But patient died by multiorgan failure

Lessons:

In summary, this case study demonstrated that LCNEC can develop even in the upper ureter for the first time, despite the absence of neuroendocrine cells in the normal urothelium. The occurrence of LCNEC in the ureter is still very rare but is possible. Therefore, further studies are needed to establish appropriate treatment strategies.
Feasibility and effectiveness assessment of a mobile application for subhealth management
Authors: Shin Seungwon , Oh Hyunjoo , Kang Minsu , Park Minyoung , Koh Byung-Hee , Hwang Minwoo
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Mibyeongbogam (MBBG) is a mobile application developed for subhealth status self-management in the Republic of Korea. It aims to assess a user's subhealth status, and then to recommend relevant traditional Korean medicine (TKM)-based health-promoting strategies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of MBBG's employment for the subhealth management of general healthy adults.

Methods:

This is a prospective, open-label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial that will seek to enroll 150 healthy adults, aged 30 to 49 years old, from 2 hospitals in the Republic of Korea. The eligible participants will then be randomly allocated to either the MBBG or control group, at a 1:1 allocation ratio. The MBBG group will use the application for 12 weeks, while the control group will undergo no intervention. The awareness of subhealth status will be primarily assessed. Health promoting behaviors, quality of life, TKM-based health questionnaires, and physical examination results will be assessed as secondary outcomes.

Discussion:

The primary endpoint will be tested with a 2-sample t test, or a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Any other continuous variables will be tested via an analysis of covariance, while categorical variables will be tested by a Chi-squared or Fisher exact test. Repeated measure analysis of variance will be performed to explore any in-group differences. The results will be addressed with a 95% confidence interval. We expect that MBBG will be the 1st TKM-based mobile application to be feasible for primary care in subhealth management.

Trial registration:

CRIS (Clinical Research Information Service), KCT0003488, February 11, 2019
The safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus propofol for patients undergoing endovascular therapy for acute stroke
Authors: Wu Bin , Hu Hongping , Cai Ailan , Ren Chunguang , Liu Shengjie
Published: May 2019

Background:

It is uncertain if dexmedetomidine has more favorable pharmacokinetic profile than the traditional sedative drug propofol in patients who undergo endovascular therapy for acute stroke. We conducted a prospective randomized control trial to compare the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine with propofol for patients undergoing endovascular therapy for acute stroke.

Methods:

A total of 80 patients who met study inclusion criteria were received either propofol (n = 45) or dexmedetomidine (n = 35) between January 2016 and August 2018. We recorded the favorable neurologic outcome (modified Rankin score <3) both at discharge and 3 months after stroke, National Institute of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) at 48 hours post intervention, modified thrombolysis in myocardial infarction score on digital subtraction angiography, intraprocedural hemodynamics, recovery time, relevant time intervals, satisfaction score of the surgeon, mortality, and complications.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups (P > .05) with respect to heart rate, respiratory rate, and SPO2 during the procedure. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly low in the propofol group until 15 minutes after anesthesia was induced. No difference was recorded between the groups at the incidence of fall in MAP >20%, MAP >40% and time spent with MAP fall >20% from baseline MAP. In the propofol group, the time spent with MAP fall >40% from baseline MAP was significantly long (P < .05). Midazolam and fentanyl were similar between the 2 groups (P > .05) that used vasoactive drugs. The time interval from stroke onset to CT room, from stroke onset to groin puncture, and from stroke onset to recanalization/end of the procedure, was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > .05). The recovery time was longer in the dexmedetomidine group (P < .05). There was no difference between the groups with respect to complications, favorable neurological outcome, and mortality both at hospital discharge and 3 months later, successful recanalization and NIHSS score after 48 hours (P > .05). However, the satisfaction score of the surgeon was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Dexmedetomidine was undesirable than propofol as a sedative agent during endovascular therapy in patients with acute stroke for a long-term functional outcome, though the satisfaction score of the surgeon was higher in the dexmedetomidine group.
Comparison of the Glasgow-Blatchford and Rockall Scores for prediction of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding outcomes in Chinese patients
Authors: Lu Mingliang , Sun Gang , Huang Hua , Zhang Xiaomei , Xu Youqing , Chen Shiyao , Song Ying , Li Xueliang , Lv Bin , Ren Jianlin , Chen Xueqing , Zhang Hui , Mo Chen , Wang Yanzhi , Yang Yunsheng
Published: May 2019

The Glasgow-Blatchford scores (GBS) and Rockall scores (RS) are commonly used for stratifying patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH). Although predictive value of these scoring methods has been extensively validated, their clinical effectiveness remains unclear. The following study evaluated the GBS and RS scoring system with reference to bleeding, needs for further surgery, endoscopic intervention and death, in order to verify their effectiveness and accuracy in clinical application.

Patients who presented with NVUGIH, or who were consequently diagnosed with the disease (by endoscopy examination) between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012 were enrolled in the study. GBS and RS scores were compared to predict bleeding, the needs for further surgery, endoscopic intervention, death by ROC curves and AUC value.

Among 2977 patients, the pre-endoscopic RS and complete RS score (CRS) were superior to the GBS score (AUC: 0.842 vs 0.804 vs 0.622, respectively) for predicting the mortality risk in patients. The pre-endoscopic RS score predicting re-bleeding was significantly higher than the CRS and the GBS score (AUC: 0.658 vs 0.548 vs 0.528, respectively). In addition, the 3 scoring systems revealed to be poor predictors of surgical operation effectiveness (AUC: 0.589 vs 0.547 vs 0.504, respectively).

Our data demonstrated that the GBS and RS scoring systems could be used to predict outcomes in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Can early rehabilitation after osteoarthritis reduce knee and hip arthroplasty risk?
Authors: Chen Wei-Heng , Tsai Wen-Ching , Wang Hsing-Ting , Wang Chun-Hsiang , Tseng Yuan-Tsung
Published: May 2019

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effects of different frequencies of physical therapy intervention on the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) risk of osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

We sampled 438,833 insurants from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for patients diagnosed as having OA during 2000 to 2013. OA who received physical therapy within in the first year of OA diagnosis were divided based on the number of sessions they received in that first year: >24, 13–23, and <12 sessions.

The results revealed that the TKA and THA incidence rates among patients aged 60 to 80 years were respectively 3.5% and 0.9% in the >24 cohort and 4.9% and 1.4% (all P < .001) in the comparison cohort. Moreover, the HRs of TKA and THA in the >24 cohort were 0.77 (0.67–0.87, P < .001) and 0.71 (0.53–0.96, P = .024), respectively. By contrast, no significant differences were noted between the 13–23 and <12 cohorts and their respective comparison cohorts.

In conclusion, our study results indicated that elderly patients aged 60 to 80 years who underwent >24 physical therapy sessions within 1 year of receiving an OA diagnosis exhibited reduced of TKA and THA risks.
Use of health services by adults in Manaus, 2019
Authors: Silva Marcus Tolentino , Nunes Bruno Pereira , Galvao Tais Freire
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Health services utilization is an indirect measure of the rights and equity of a health system. A 2015 survey conducted in the Manaus metropolitan region showed that in the previous year, over 70% of adults visited the doctor and 1 in 3 had visited a dentist. Socioeconomic factors and inequality played a central role in the usage of healthcare services and health situation in this population. Since then, political and economic crisis are evolving in Brazil. This project aims to estimate the prevalence of use of health services and the health status of the adults residing in Manaus in 2019.

Methods and analysis:

This is a population-based survey of adults (≥18 years old) residing in Manaus. This survey will be conducted in the first half of 2019 with 2300 participants who will be interviewed at home, selected from a probabilistic sampling in 3 stages (census tracts, household, and dweller), and stratified by sex and age quotas based on official estimates. The participants will be interviewed using previously validated tools and questions employed in Brazilian official surveys, which will cover use of health services and supplies, health status, and lifestyle. Primary outcome will be any healthcare usage in the last 15 days. Associations between health services usage and socioeconomic data and health outcomes will be assessed using a Poisson regression with a complex sampling design correction. Results will be reported according to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology statement.

Ethics and dissemination:

This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. All participants will sign an informed consent before the interview. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, conference presentations, and through the media.
Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China, 2005–2017
Authors: Tao Ning-Ning , Li Yi-Fan , Wang Shan-Shan , Liu Yun-Xia , Liu Jin-Yue , Song Wan-Mei , Liu Yao , Geng Hong , Li Huai-Chen
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and gained insight into the future TB control plan in China.

We extracted epidemiological, clinical, and geographic data from TB prevention and control institutions in 6 cities of Shandong province, China, during 2005 to 2017.

Among 224,480 diagnosed PTB, rural residents accounted for 93%, smear-positive PTB 52%, and new cases 92%. The incidence rate of overall PTB declined from 40.8 to 26.25 per 100,000 during 2005 to 2017. Except smear-negative PTB (7.57–19.87 per 100,000), the incidence of smear-positive PTB and all that stratified by age, sex, and treatment history decreased. With 80% reduction, the incidence of smear-positive PTB (6.38 per 100,000) and relapse cases (1.01 per 100,000) were already very low in 2017.

With persistent efforts to combat TB, the disease burden had shifted from smear-positive PTB to smear-negative PTB. While new cases need continuous attention, further reducing the incidence of smear-negative PTB and elderly patients may have a greater impact on future TB control.
The association between serum uric acid level and changes of MRI findings in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Xiao Lu , Lin Shudian , Zhan Feng
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study was to examine whether Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of knee osteoarthritis (OA) had an association with the level of serum uric acid (SUA). The MRI of the OA patients from June 2015 to July 2017 were studied. The patients fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: 1) meet American College of Rheumatology (ACR) radiological and clinical criteria for OA of the knee, 2) age ≤ 65years old, 3) Body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2. Patients with OA were categorized into two groups based on the level of SUA. Patients with SUA level lower than 360 umol/L were recruited into the first group and the others were the second group. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for SUA level and different MRI patterns were estimated with multivariable logistic regression.71 patients were included in this research. The mean age of the first group was 54.5 ± 8.4 and the second group was 55.6 ± 6.4. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of two groups was 22.7 ± 1.3 and 23.23 ± 1.9 separately. The mean SUA and creatinine (CR) level of the second group were 433.8 ± 70.6 umol/L and 80.1 ± 23.9 umol/L. There were statistically more focal erosions, osteophytes, bone marrow lesions and synovitis in the MRIs of the second group. A positive association between SUA level and synovitis as well as soft tissue swelling in MRIs was observed in patients with knee OA (OR = 1.017; 1.008, 95% CI: 1.007–1.028; 1.000–1.016). In conclusion, subjects with higher SUA level were more likely to have MRI abnormalities. OA patients need to lower their SUA level in order to keep the disease from progressing.
Dexamethasone Reduces Postoperative Nausea in Pediatric Upper Endoscopy With Deep Sedation
Authors: Moheimani Hamed , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate the effect of a single dose of preoperative dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), a frequent complication and a major cause of delayed recovery in pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) under sedation.

Methods:

In this double‐blind randomized controlled study, 98 children aged 2 to 14, with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I to II, and undergoing elective UGIE with deep sedation were included and randomly assigned to 2 groups. Preoperatively, after anesthesia induction with sodium thiopental and maintenance with sevoflurane, patients in the intervention (n = 49) and control (n = 49) groups, respectively received 0.1 mg/kg i.v. dexamethasone and 2 cm3 i.v. 0.9% saline. Postoperatively, PONV incidence was measured as the primary outcome.

Results:

PONV incidence was significantly less in dexamethasone group (8.2%) compared to the control group (26.5%) (difference = 18.3%, 95% confidence interval: 3.4%−33%, P = 0.016). For secondary outcomes, between‐group differences were not statistically significant: incidence of bronchospasm or laryngospasm (both 4.1%, P = 1); emergence delirium assessed with Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (5.9 ± 3.4 vs 5.7 ± 3.2, P = 0.751); Modified Aldrete score at 0 minutes (9.4 ± 0.8 vs 9.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.909) and at 5 minutes (9.5 ± 0.7 vs 9.4 ± 0.9, P = 0.527); and recovery time (21.1 ± 6.6 vs 23.4 ± 8.6 minutes, P = 0.130).

Conclusions:

A single preoperative dose of i.v. dexamethasone reduces PONV in children undergoing elective UGIE with deep sedation, but has no significant effect on the patient recovery time or the incidence of postoperative bronchospasm or laryngospasm and emergence delirium.
Development of a predictive model for growth of Listeria monocytogenes on cooked sausage in cold storage in the household
Authors: Han Ye-Jin , Park Myoung-Su , Bahk Gyung-Jin
Published: May 2019

In household food safety management, it has been realized that the control of cooling storage temperature is crucial, particularly, for unpacked products. Therefore, we developed and tested a prediction model for the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in refrigerated cooked sausage in the household after unpacking. We studied the growth of L. monocytogenes as a function of temperature (0, 5, 10, and 15℃) and storage time (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15 days). The results revealed that the Baranyi model was a suitable predictive model for determining L. monocytogenes growth. The Baranyi model was found to be highly accurate, as the experimentally determined R2 (0.9991), root mean squared error (RMSE, 0.0563), accuracy factor (Af, 1.0125), and bias factor (Bf, 0.9997) could be approximated from the primary model. Further, based on the primary model, we developed a secondary polynomial model, which could predict the parameters lag time (LT, R2=0.9597) and maximum specific growth rate (SGR, R2=0.9465) with high accuracy. Thus, the Baranyi model can be successfully used to generate input variables in exposure assessment for conducting quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for L. monocytogenes in refrigerated cooked sausage in the household after unpacking.
Quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) dried by different methods
Authors: Youn Kwang-Sup , Park Eun-Hye , Yoon Kyung Young
Published: May 2019

Bitter melon has many nutrients and is excellent for many physiological functions. Here, bitter melon was dried by various methods (sun drying, hot air drying, freeze drying, and infrared drying), and the quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of the dried bitter melon were determined to improve the utilization of bitter melon as a food. The freeze-dried bitter melon had the highest soluble solid content (1.27 °Brix), and reducing sugar content of dried bitter melon was 220.33-247.13 mg/100 g. The pH and acidity of the dried bitter melons were 4.38-4.79 and 0.60-0.69%, respectively. The total amino acid content of the freeze-dried bitter melon was the highest, and the content of arginine, which has a bitter taste, was the highest in all the samples. Hot air-dried bitter melon had the highest polyphenol content, while the flavonoid content was the highest in infrared-dried bitter melon. However, there was no significant difference between the different drying methods. Antioxidant activity was significantly higher in hot air drying and infrared drying than in the other drying methods. Thus, freeze-dried bitter melon had superior physicochemical characteristics while infrared-dried and hot air-dried bitter melon had high antioxidant activity. Therefore, a proper drying method can be selected according to the requirement either as food materials or for processing of bitter melon.
Preserved wake-dependent cortical excitability dynamics predict cognitive fitness beyond age-related brain alterations
Authors: Van Egroo Maxime , Narbutas Justinas , Chylinski Daphne , Villar González Pamela , Ghaemmaghami Pouya , Muto Vincenzo , Schmidt Christina , Gaggioni Giulia , Besson Gabriel , Pépin Xavier , Tezel Elif , Marzoli Davide , Goff Caroline Le , Cavalier Etienne , Luxen André , Salmon Eric , Maquet Pierre , Bahri Mohamed A. , Phillips Christophe , Bastin Christine , Collette Fabienne , Vandewalle Gilles
Published: May 2019

Age-related cognitive decline arises from alterations in brain integrity as well as in sleep-wake regulation. Here, we investigated whether preserved sleep-wake regulation of cortical function during wakefulness could represent a positive factor for cognitive fitness in aging, independently of early age-related changes in brain structure. We quantified cortical excitability dynamics during prolonged wakefulness as a sensitive marker of age-related alteration in sleep-wake regulation in 60 healthy older individuals (50-69y; 42 women). Brain structural integrity was assessed with amyloid-beta- and tau-PET, and with MRI. Participants’ cognition was extensively investigated. We show that individuals with preserved cortical excitability dynamics exhibit better cognitive performance, particularly in the executive domain, which is essential to successful cognitive aging. Critically, this association remained significant after accounting for brain integrity measures. Preserved dynamics of basic brain function during wakefulness could be essential to cognitive fitness in aging, independently from age-related brain structural modifications that can ultimately lead to dementia.
Altered Hippocampal-Prefrontal Neural Dynamics in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome
Authors: Chang Pishan , Bush Daniel , Schorge Stephanie , Good Mark , Canonica Tara , Shing Nathanael , Noy Suzanna , Wiseman Frances K. , Burgess Neil , Tybulewicz Victor L.J. , Walker Matthew C. , Fisher Elizabeth M.C.
Published: May 2019

Altered neural dynamics in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus may contribute to cognitive impairments in the complex chromosomal disorder, Down Syndrome (DS). Here, we demonstrate non-overlapping behavioural differences associated with distinct abnormalities in hippocampal and mPFC electrophysiology during a canonical spatial memory task in three partially trisomic mouse models of DS (Dp1Tyb, Dp10Yey, Dp17Yey) that together cover all regions of homology with human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). Dp1Tyb mice showed slower decision-making (unrelated to the gene dose of DYRK1A, which has been implicated in DS cognitive dysfunction) and altered theta dynamics (reduced frequency, increased hippocampal-mPFC coherence, increased modulation of hippocampal high gamma); Dp10Yey mice showed impaired alternation performance and reduced theta modulation of hippocampal low gamma; while Dp17Yey mice were no different from wildtype mice. These results link specific hippocampal and mPFC circuit dysfunctions to cognitive deficits in DS models and, importantly, map them to discrete regions of Hsa21.
Stability of Thin-Film Metallization in Flexible Stimulation Electrodes: Analysis and Improvement of in vivo Performance
Authors: Čvančara Paul , Boretius Tim , López-Álvarez Víctor M. , Maciejasz Pawel , Andreu David , Raspopovic Stanisa , Petrini Francesco , Micera Silvestro , Granata Giuseppe , Fernandez Eduardo , Rossini Paolo M. , Yoshida Ken , Jensen Winnie , Divoux Jean-Louis , Guiraud David , Navarro Xavier , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: May 2019

Micro-fabricated neural interfaces based on polyimide (PI) are achieving increasing importance in translational research. The ability to produce well-defined micro-structures with properties that include chemical inertness, mechanical flexibility and low water uptake are key advantages for these devices. This paper reports the development of the transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) used to deliver intraneural sensory feedback to an upper-limb amputee in combination with a sensorized hand prosthesis. A first-in-human study limited to 30 days was performed. About 90 % of the stimulation contact sites of the TIMEs maintained electrical functionality and stability during the full implant period. However, optical analysis post-explantation revealed that 62.5 % of the stimulation contacts showed signs of mechanical damage at the metallization-PI interface. Such damage likely occurred due to handling during explantation and subsequent analysis, since a significant change in impedance was not observed in vivo. Nevertheless, whereas device integrity is mandatory for long-term functionality in chronic implantation, measures to increase the bonding strength of the metallization-PI interface deserve further investigation. We report here that silicon carbide (SiC) is an effective adhesion-promoting layer resisting heavy electrical stimulation conditions in vivo. Optical analysis of the new electrodes revealed that the metallization remained unaltered after delivering over 14 million pulses in vivo without signs of delamination at the metallization-PI interface. Reliable adhesion of thin-film metallization to substrate has been proven using SiC, improving the potential transfer of micro-fabricated neural electrodes for chronic clinical applications.
Anaesthesia with diethyl ether impairs jasmonate signalling in the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Authors: Pavlovič Andrej , Libiaková Michaela , Bokor Boris , Jakšová Jana , Petřík Ivan , Novák Ondřej , Baluška František
Published: May 2019

General anaesthetics are compounds that induce loss of responsiveness to environmental stimuli in animals and humans. The primary site of general anaesthetic action is the nervous system, where anaesthetics inhibit neuronal transmission. Although plants do not have neurons, they generate electrical signals in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we investigated the effect of the general volatile anaesthetic diethyl ether on the ability to sense potential prey or herbivore attacks in the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). We monitored trap movement, electrical signalling, phytohormone accumulation and gene expression in response to the mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs and wounding under diethyl ether treatment. Diethyl ether completely inhibited the generation of action potentials and trap closing reactions, which were easily and rapidly restored when the anaesthetic was removed. Diethyl ether also inhibited the later response: jasmonate (JA) accumulation and expression of JA-responsive genes. However, external application of JA bypassed the inhibited action potentials and restored gene expression under diethyl ether anaesthesia, indicating that downstream reactions from JA are not inhibited. Thus, the Venus flytrap cannot sense prey or a herbivore attack under diethyl ether treatment. This is an intriguing parallel to the effect of anaesthesia on animals and humans.

Highlight

Carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is unresponsive to insect prey or herbivore attack due to impaired electrical and jasmonate signalling under general anaesthesia induced by diethyl ether.
Group B meningococcal outer membrane protein vaccine promote potent anti-viral effect
Authors: Smith Web , Smith John
Published: May 2019

This report demonstrates a novel method to explore and evaluate the specific humoral/cellular immune response levels and immunoprotective effects of NMB0315 nucleic acid vaccine, recombinant protein vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine + recombinant protein vaccine in combination with mice, and to further explore the effective immunization method for NMB0315 vaccine. This route provides experimental basis. Nucleic acid vaccines [pcDNA3 1(+) / NMB0315] and recombinant protein vaccines (pET 30a / NMB0315) were prepared in large quantities, and immunologically or separately immunized female BALB/c mice were determined by nucleic acid priming protein boosting method. The specific humoral/cell immune response level, the in vitro bactericidal titer of immune serum, and the immunoprotective effect of the vaccine on mice infected with group B meningococcus were observed. Serum-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and genital lavage fluids induced by NMB0315 nucleic acid vaccine group (pNMB0315 CpG), protein vaccine group (rNMB0315 FA) and combined immunization group (pNMB0315 CpG+rNMB0315 FA). The specific sIgA level reached the peak in the eighth week, and the A450 values were in vitro, and the in vitro bactericidal antibody titers of the nucleic acid vaccine group, the protein vaccine group and the combined immunization group were 1, 64, 1128, respectively. The immune protection rate of experimental mice were 70%, 95% and 80%, respectively. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, the ratio of IgG2a / IgG1 in the nucleic acid vaccine group, the recombinant protein vaccine group, and the combined immunization vaccine group was less than 1.
The human UDP-galactose 4’-epimerase (GALE) is required for cell surface glycome structure and function
Authors: Broussard Alex , Florwick Alyssa , Desbiens Chelsea , Nischan Nicole , Robertson Corrina , Guan Ziqiang , Kohler Jennifer J. , Wells Lance , Boyce Michael
Published: May 2019

Glycan biosynthesis relies on nucleotide-sugars (NS), abundant metabolites that serve as monosaccharide donors for glycosyltransferases.In vivo, signal-dependent fluctuations in NS levels are required to maintain normal cell physiology and are dysregulated in disease, but how mammalian cells regulate NS levels and pathway flux remains largely uncharacterized. To address this knowledge gap, we examined uridine diphosphate (UDP)-galactose 4’-epimerase (GALE), which interconverts two pairs of essential NSs. GALE deletion in human cells triggered major imbalances in its substrate NSs and consequent dramatic changes in glycolipids and glycoproteins, including a subset of integrins and the Fas death receptor. NS dysregulation also directly impacted cell signaling, as GALE−/−cells exhibit Fas hypoglycosylation and hypersensitivity to Fas ligand-induced apoptosis. Our results reveal a new role for GALE-mediated NS regulation in supporting death receptor signaling and may have implications for the molecular etiology of illnesses characterized by NS imbalances, including galactosemia and metabolic syndrome.
NONLINEAR NEURAL NETWORK DYNAMICS ACCOUNTS FOR HUMAN CONFIDENCE IN A SEQUENCE OF PERCEPTUAL DECISIONS
Authors: Berlemont Kevin , Martin Jean-Rémy , Sackur Jérôme , Nadal Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2019

Electrophysiological recordings during perceptual decision tasks in monkeys suggest that the degree of confidence in a decision is based on a simple neural signal produced by the neural decision process. Attractor neural networks provide an appropriate biophysical modeling framework, and account for the experimental results very well. However, it remains unclear whether attractor neural networks can account for confidence reports in humans. We present the results from an experiment in which participants are asked to perform an orientation discrimination task, followed by a confidence judgment. Here we show that an attractor neural network model quantitatively reproduces, for each participant, the relations between accuracy, response times and confidence. We show that the attractor neural network also accounts for confidence-specific sequential effects observed in the experiment (participants are faster on trials following high confidence trials). Remarkably, this is obtained as an inevitable outcome of the network dynamics, without any feedback specific to the previous decision (that would result in, e.g., a change in the model parameters before the onset of the next trial). Our results thus suggest that a metacognitive process such as confidence in one’s decision is linked to the intrinsically nonlinear dynamics of the decision-making neural network.
Chromatin restriction by the nucleosome remodeler Mi-2β and functional interplay with lineage-specific transcription regulators control B-cell differentiation
Authors: Yoshida Toshimi , Hu Yeguang , Zhang Zhihong , Emmanuel Akinola O. , Galani Kiriaki , Muhire Brejnev , Snippert Hugo J. , Williams Christine J. , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Gounari Fotini , Georgopoulos Katia
Published: May 2019

Coordinated induction, but also repression, of genes are key to normal differentiation. Although the role of lineage-specific transcription regulators has been studied extensively, their functional integration with chromatin remodelers, one of the key enzymatic machineries that control chromatin accessibility, remains ill-defined. Here we investigate the role of Mi-2β, a SNF-2-like nucleosome remodeler and key component of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase (NuRD) complex in early B cells. Inactivation of Mi-2β arrested differentiation at the large pre-B-cell stage and caused derepression of cell adhesion and cell migration signaling factors by increasing chromatin access at poised enhancers and chromosome architectural elements. Mi-2β also supported IL-7R signaling, survival, and proliferation by repressing negative effectors of this pathway. Importantly, overexpression ofBcl2, a mitochondrial prosurvival gene and target of IL-7R signaling, partly rescued the differentiation block caused by Mi-2β loss. Mi-2β stably associated with chromatin sites that harbor binding motifs for IKAROS and EBF1 and physically associated with these transcription factors both on and off chromatin. Notably, Mi-2β shared loss-of-function cellular and molecular phenotypes with IKAROS and EBF1, albeit in a distinct fashion. Thus, the nucleosome remodeler Mi-2β promotes pre-B-cell differentiation by providing repression capabilities to distinct lineage-specific transcription factor-based regulatory networks.
Transcription-mediated replication hindrance: a major driver of genome instability
Authors: Gómez-González Belén , Aguilera Andrés
Published: May 2019

Genome replication involves dealing with obstacles that can result from DNA damage but also from chromatin alterations, topological stress, tightly bound proteins or non-B DNA structures such as R loops. Experimental evidence reveals that an engaged transcription machinery at the DNA can either enhance such obstacles or be an obstacle itself. Thus, transcription can become a potentially hazardous process promoting localized replication fork hindrance and stress, which would ultimately cause genome instability, a hallmark of cancer cells. Understanding the causes behind transcription–replication conflicts as well as how the cell resolves them to sustain genome integrity is the aim of this review.
PRC2 is high maintenance
Authors: Yu Jia-Ray , Lee Chul-Hwan , Oksuz Ozgur , Stafford James M. , Reinberg Danny
Published: May 2019

As the process that silences gene expression ensues during development, the stage is set for the activity of Polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to maintain these repressed gene profiles. PRC2 catalyzes a specific histone posttranslational modification (hPTM) that fosters chromatin compaction. PRC2 also facilitates the inheritance of this hPTM through its self-contained “write and read” activities, key to preserving cellular identity during cell division. As these changes in gene expression occur without changes in DNA sequence and are inherited, the process is epigenetic in scope. Mutants of mammalian PRC2 or of its histone substrate contribute to the cancer process and other diseases, and research into these aberrant pathways is yielding viable candidates for therapeutic targeting. The effectiveness of PRC2 hinges on its being recruited to the proper chromatin sites; however, resolving the determinants to this process in the mammalian case was not straightforward and thus piqued the interest of many in the field. Here, we chronicle the latest advances toward exposing mammalian PRC2 and its high maintenance.
Long-read sequencing reveals intra-species tolerance of substantial structural variations and new subtelomere formation in C. elegans
Authors: Kim Chuna , Kim Jun , Kim Sunghyun , Cook Daniel E. , Evans Kathryn S. , Andersen Erik C. , Lee Junho
Published: May 2019

Long-read sequencing technologies have contributed greatly to comparative genomics among species and can also be applied to study genomics within a species. In this study, to determine how substantial genomic changes are generated and tolerated within a species, we sequenced a C. elegans strain, CB4856, which is one of the most genetically divergent strains compared to the N2 reference strain. For this comparison, we used the Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RSII platform (80×, N50 read length 11.8 kb) and generated de novo genome assembly to the level of pseudochromosomes containing 76 contigs (N50 contig = 2.8 Mb). We identified structural variations that affected as many as 2694 genes, most of which are at chromosome arms. Subtelomeric regions contained the most extensive genomic rearrangements, which even created new subtelomeres in some cases. The subtelomere structure of Chromosome VR implies that ancestral telomere damage was repaired by alternative lengthening of telomeres even in the presence of a functional telomerase gene and that a new subtelomere was formed by break-induced replication. Our study demonstrates that substantial genomic changes including structural variations and new subtelomeres can be tolerated within a species, and that these changes may accumulate genetic diversity within a species.
One minute analysis of 200 histone posttranslational modifications by direct injection mass spectrometry
Authors: Sidoli Simone , Kori Yekaterina , Lopes Mariana , Yuan Zuo-Fei , Kim Hee Jong , Kulej Katarzyna , Janssen Kevin A. , Agosto Laura M. , Cunha Julia Pinheiro Chagas da , Andrews Andrew J. , Garcia Benjamin A.
Published: May 2019

DNA and histone proteins define the structure and composition of chromatin. Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are covalent chemical groups capable of modeling chromatin accessibility, mostly due to their ability in recruiting enzymes responsible for DNA readout and remodeling. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is the methodology of choice for large-scale identification and quantification of protein PTMs, including histones. High sensitivity proteomics requires online MS coupling with relatively low throughput and poorly robust nano-liquid chromatography (nanoLC) and, for histone proteins, a 2-d sample preparation that includes histone purification, derivatization, and digestion. We present a new protocol that achieves quantitative data on about 200 histone PTMs from tissue or cell lines in 7 h from start to finish. This protocol includes 4 h of histone extraction, 3 h of derivatization and digestion, and only 1 min of MS analysis via direct injection (DI-MS). We demonstrate that this sample preparation can be parallelized for 384 samples by using multichannel pipettes and 96-well plates. We also engineered the sequence of a synthetic “histone-like” peptide to spike into the sample, of which derivatization and digestion benchmarks the quality of the sample preparation. We ensure that DI-MS does not introduce biases in histone peptide ionization as compared to nanoLC-MS/MS by producing and analyzing a library of synthetically modified histone peptides mixed in equal molarity. Finally, we introduce EpiProfileLite for comprehensive analysis of this new data type. Altogether, our workflow is suitable for high-throughput screening of >1000 samples per day using a single mass spectrometer.
Family and caregivers’ experience of mental illness in migrants with intellectual disability – reflections on practice
Authors: Hellerud Jane Margrete Askeland , Bakken Trine Lise
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the families’ and professional caregivers’ experience of mental health services for patients in the migrant population with intellectual disability (ID).

Design/methodology/approach

To highlight this rarely studied topic, the authors chose a qualitative approach, using a semi-structured interview guide. The authors performed a search for relevant articles. Three families of former patients of a specialized psychiatric inpatient unit and 12 professional caregivers were interviewed. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis.

Findings

In total, 17 themes from the families’ answers and 14 themes from the caregivers’ answers were grouped into four main themes each. Two main themes were identical for both groups: perspectives on mental illness and “the Norwegian system.” Additionally, the families were concerned about the impact on the patient and family and coping strategies. The caregivers highlighted patient–caregiver interaction and family–caregiver interaction.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should include the patients’ opinions based on the findings of this study. Also, studies including larger samples from both specialist services and community services are needed to develop evidence-based services for these patients.

Practical implications

Proposed adaptations to enable assessment and treatment of mental illness in migrants with ID should be adapted to cultural preferences. The following adaptations are proposed: inclusion of the entire family, awareness of cultural dimensions, information about the health care system, education in mental illness, the use of interpreters and adequate time spent with the families.

Originality/value

Mental health services for this group are an understudied topic. Clinical experience indicates that professionals struggle when providing services for such patients.
Country-level corporate governance and foreign direct investment in Africa
Authors: Agyemang Otuo Serebour , Gbettey Christopher , Gatsi John Gartchie , Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the link between country-level corporate governance and foreign direct investment in African economies for the period 2009-2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use annual panel data of 40 African economies over the period of the study and use the system generalized method of moments (GMM) to establish the relationship between country-level corporate governance and foreign direct investment.

Findings

The authors find that African economies characterized by firms with high ethical values tend to attract a great deal of foreign direct investment. In addition, they highlight that when an economy is associated with effective corporate boards, it tends to attract much foreign direct investment. Further, this study reveals that the level of minority shareholders’ interests’ protection in an economy has a significant positive relationship with foreign direct investment. Finally, they document a negative relationship between effectiveness of regulation of securities and exchanges and foreign direct investment.

Practical implications

It is advised that sound and implementable corporate governance structures devoid of political interferences should be put in place in African economies, if the aim of using foreign direct investment to mitigate poverty by 2015 as part of the Millennium Development Goals is to be attained.

Originality/value

Empiricists have devoted considerable effort to estimate the factors that influence the level of foreign direct investment into African economies without taking into consideration the corporate governance structures in these economies. However, this paper seeks to examine the relationship between country-level corporate governance structures and foreign direct investment in African economies.
Seeking the next wave of growth in a dynamic business environment: a case for Nitor Infotech Pvt. Ltd.
Authors: Saxena Manisha , Nandi Subrata Kumar
Published: May 2019

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this study include: recognizing the strategic inflexion points and related business and strategic perspectives in the life of an organization; understanding sources of sustained competitive advantage and connect it with resource-based view for internal analysis; applying dynamic capability theory to identify capabilities that help an IT company stay relevant in an IT sector characterized by VUCA (an acronym for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) environment; analyzing the multi-dimensional and multi-contextual challenge an organization faces, or is likely to face, in the foreseeable future and the possible ways it addresses or should address them; evaluating strategies adopted at various points of an organization’s journey for their effectiveness; and helping a company co-create value for its customers.

Case overview/synopsis

This case of Nitor Infotech Private Limited (Nitor), a mid-sized software product outsourcing company, outlines its decade-long journey, highlighting its achievements. While the company has consistently grown by leveraging its expertise in software product engineering and its domain knowledge in the healthcare segment, it entered into a stage of its life cycle where it had to develop a long-term strategy to effectively compete in the product engineering market. Nitor’s strategy was built around product engineering and outsourced product development. The two major choices for a software company were either to develop its own product and thereby own the intellectual property (IP) or to develop modules which would be part of a product that would be owned by a client. In the latter case, the IP would be held by the client. So far Nitor chose to follow the second option by developing components for its client’s products. Although this strategy allowed it to develop expertise in a particular domain, and serve different customers in a particular market, the chances of a competitor attacking its position was high. On the other hand, if it developed its own product, it can create its own brand name and can sell packaged software to several different customers. However, the challenge with the latter is that the cost of marketing could be very high. The choice for the company in the future is to decide on selecting a specific strategy to expand its international business.

Complexity academic level

This case is appropriate for an undergraduate and postgraduate management course in the area of strategic management. The level of difficulty can be from medium to high depending on the learning level. Knowledge of management fundamentals is not a prerequisite but is desirable for case analysis.

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 11: Strategy