bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statement on Best Practices in the Use of Pathology as a Diagnostic Tool for Celiac Disease
Authors: Robert Marie E. , Crowe Sheila E. , Burgart Lawrence , Yantiss Rhonda K. , Lebwohl Benjamin , Greenson Joel K. , Guandalini Stefano , Murray Joseph A.
Published: June 2018

Small intestinal biopsy interpretation has been the cornerstone for the diagnosis of celiac disease for over 50 years. Despite the existence of sensitive and specific serological tests, duodenal mucosal biopsies continue to be obtained in the vast majority of patients in whom a diagnosis of celiac disease is being considered. The accurate evaluation of these biopsies requires coordination and information sharing between the gastroenterologist, laboratory, and pathologist in order to optimize tissue sampling, preparation and interpretation. This document, a collaboration between the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society and the North American Association for the Study of Celiac Disease, is intended to provide clinicians and pathologists with a summary of best practices in the use of endoscopy and biopsy for patients with suspected celiac disease. The authors present a comprehensive and critical appraisal of the literature with respect to the topics of endoscopic findings, best methods for the obtaining biopsies, completing the pathology form and pathologic assessment, including evaluating intraepithelial lymphocytes and villous architecture. A discussion of conditions with overlapping pathologic findings in duodenal mucosal biopsies is presented. In order to provide additional guidance for challenging situations, the authors include an appendix containing practical suggestions. This review may be utilized in interdisciplinary discussions to optimize care for patients with possible celiac disease.
Assessment of Treatment Response by 99mTc-MIP-1404 SPECT/CT
Authors: Schmidkonz Christian , Cordes Michael , Beck Michael , Goetz Theresa Ida , Schmidt Daniela , Prante Olaf , Bäuerle Tobias , Cavallaro Alexander , Uder Michael , Wullich Bernd , Goebell Peter , Kuwert Torsten , Ritt Philipp
Published: June 2018

Background

We investigated the role of 99mTc-MIP-1404 (Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc, New York, NY) SPECT/CT of PSMA expression in the assessment of treatment response in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 99mTc-MIP-1404 SPECT/CT scans from 28 patients with metastatic prostate cancer examined before initiation and after completion of therapy. Eight of these patients had been treated with androgen deprivation therapy, 10 with docetaxel, and another 10 with external beam radiotherapy. On the CT images from SPECT/CT, treatment response was assessed according to RECIST 1.1 criteria; independently from that analysis, maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were quantified in representative tumor lesions and treatment response assumed at differences in SUVmax greater than 30%. Radiographic response assessment was correlated to biochemical response (BR) based on prostate-specific antigen serum levels.

Results

The concordance rate between SPECT and BR was 75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–0.89) (Cohen κ = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.29–0.85; P ≤ 0.01), higher than for that between SPECT and CT with 57% (95% CI, 0.37–0.76) (κ = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.14–0.65; P ≤ 0.01), as well as that between CT and BR with 50% (95% CI, 0.31–0.69) (κ = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.06–0.57, P ≤ 0.05). Discordant findings between SPECT and CT were most likely due to limitations of CT in assessing metastases in lymph nodes, as well as bone involvement, which was sometimes not detectable on CT scans.

Conclusions

The high agreement between treatment response, as assessed by 99mTc-MIP-1404 SPECT/CT and BR, suggests a possible role of that imaging tool for monitoring treatment in metastatic prostate cancer. Larger, ideally prospective trials are needed to help to reveal the full potential of SPECT imaging of PSMA expression in that regard.
Utility of Drinking Water in Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy When Possible Acute Cholecystitis Was Considered
Authors: Bai Xia , Wang Xuemei
Published: June 2018

A 15-year-old boy underwent hepatobiliary scintigraphy for suspected acute cholecystitis. The initial images revealed an activity in the neighborhood of normal gallbladder fossa, suggestive of possible activity in the gallbladder, which would be inconsistent with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. However, after drinking 6 oz of water, the activity was no longer seen. Acute cholecystitis was confirmed pathologically after cholecystectomy.
Cervicofacial Necrotizing Fasciitis and Drugs
Authors: Egas Laís Sara , Reis Erik Neiva Ribeiro de Carvalho , da Silva Leonardo Freitas , Bonardi João Paulo , de Lima Valthierre Nunes , Ferreira Pedro Henrique Silva Gomes , de Deus Ciro Borges Duailibe , Garcia Júnior Idelmo Rangel
Published: June 2018

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a devastating disease that typically affects immunocompromised patients, chronically debilitated patients or drug users, but can also affect healthy patients. Necrotizing fasciitis can rapidly produce septic shock and requires immediate surgical management of the necrotic tissue. It is a bacterial infection that progresses rapidly and has a high mortality generally caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The patient was immunocompromised and drug user. During treatment, a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole, besides the use of activated charcoal dressing composed of carbonized fabric and impregnated with 0.15% silver nitrate enveloped by layer of fabric without activated carbon, chemical–mechanical debridement with hydrogen peroxide, 0.9% saline, and povidone iodine. According to the patient presented, for the treatment of NF there is a need for broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy associated with surgical debridement, use of activated charcoal for antiseptic compression and general intensive care.
Adjunctive Use of the Dermocartilaginous Ligament for Dorsal Irregularities in Primary Rhinoplasty
Authors: Ozturan Orhan , Yenigun Alper , Tugrul Selahattin , Aksoy Fadlullah
Published: June 2018

Nasal dorsal irregularity is a common postrhinoplasty complication in spite of meticulous smoothing. Utilization of the dermocartilaginous ligament in 2 different fashions for different purposes was described before. A novel utilization of the dermocartilaginous ligament as a flattened and pedicled flap from the cephalic attachment for nasal dorsal irregularities was presented in this article. This surgical technique was applied in 11 cases. Eight of them had thin skin, 2 had skin with medium thickness, and 1 had thick skin. They were followed on an average for 27 months (between 6 and 37 months). All of the patients had satisfactory esthetic results, and there was no apparent irregularities observed over the nasal dorsum. No complications such as infection or hematoma occurred during the early or late follow-up periods. Instead of discarding the dermocartilaginous ligament, it can be used adjunctively to conceal the nasal dorsal irregularities to attain a smoother dorsal nasal surface by increasing soft tissue cushion over the osseocartilaginous dorsum. Transposing of the dermocartilaginous ligament also relieves dynamic drooping of the nasal tip, shortening of the upper lip, and undesirable gingival display.
Late Complication Associated With the Treatment of Orbital Floor Fracture With Titanium Mesh
Authors: Costa Pedro Jorge Cavalcante , de Gauw Johnny Holanda , Costa Filho José Zenou , Moreira Raphael Teixeira , Ribeiro Júnior Paulo Domingos
Published: June 2018

Treatment of orbital fractures involves restoration of lost bone anatomy and orbital volume. Among the materials used for this purpose, the titanium mesh is widely used due to its effectiveness and low complication rate related to distortion especially in non-traumatic events. This study shows an atypical and late complication involving the deformation of the titanium mesh used during reconstruction of the orbital floor in a patient with orbital zygomatic complex fracture 5 months after the procedure and without traumatic etiology.
Robotic Surgery Is Less Physically Demanding Than Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Dalsgaard Torur , Jensen Morten D. , Hartwell Dorthe , Mosgaard Berit J. , Jørgensen Annemette , Jensen Bente R.
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To study musculoskeletal workload in experienced surgeons during laparoscopic surgery (LS) compared with robotic assisted laparoscopy (RALS).

Background:

70–90% of surgeons who regularly perform LS report musculoskeletal symptoms, mainly in neck and shoulders. Data regarding the potential ergonomic benefits of RALS in a clinical setting is very limited.

Methods:

Twelve surgeons with advanced experience in both LS and RALS each performed 2 hysterectomies on the same day. LS was performed standing, RALS sitting, the latter allowing forearm and head support. Bipolar surface electromyogram (EMG) was recorded from several muscles and was expressed relative to EMG during maximum contractions (%EMGmax). Gaps per minute plus static (p0.1), mean (p0.5), and peak (p0.9) muscle activation were calculated. Perceived exertion was rated before and just after each surgery.

Results:

Neck muscle activity (p0.1 4.7 vs. 3.0%EMGmax, p0.5 7.4 vs. 5.3%EMGmax, p0.9 11.6 vs. 8.2%EMGmax, all P < 0.05) and static shoulder muscle activity (p0.1 5.7 vs. 2.8%EMGmax, P < 0.05) were higher for LS than for RALS. Both a higher level of gaps during RALS and a lower rating of perceived exertion, also for the legs, after RALS supported these observations. However, low back muscle activity was higher for RALS.

Conclusions:

RALS is significantly less physically demanding than LS, and also feels less strenuous for the surgeons. However, for both types of surgeries, there still is room for improvement of working conditions. To further optimize these, we suggest a scheme to regularly observe and advise the surgeons.
Vascular Surgery in the Pacific Theaters of World War II
Authors: Barr Justin , Cherry Kenneth J. , Rich Norman M.
Published: June 2018

Although multiple sources chronicle the practice of vascular surgery in the North African, Mediterranean, and European theaters of World War II, that of the Pacific campaign remains undescribed. Relying on primary source documents from the war, this article provides the first discussion of the management of vascular injuries in the island-hopping battles of the Pacific. It explains how the particular military, logistic, and geographic conditions of this theater influenced medical and surgical care, prompting a continued emphasis on ligation when surgeons in Europe had already transitioned to repairing arteries.
Paradigm Shift in the Management of Irresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Königsrainer Alfred , Templin Silke , Capobianco Ivan , Königsrainer Ingmar , Bitzer Michael , Zender Lars , Sipos Bence , Kanz Lothar , Wagner Silvia , Nadalin Silvio
Published: June 2018

Objective:

to report the first case of resection and partial liver segment 2–3 transplantation with delayed total hepatectomy (RAPID) from living donor in a patient affected of irresectable colorectal liver metastases (i-CRLM)

Background:

A renaissance of liver transplantation (LT) for i-CRLM has been recently observed. The Norwegian SECA trial demonstrated a 5-year overall survival rate of approximately 60%, notwithstanding early tumor recurrence. The RAPID technique was recently introduced as alternative to whole deceased donor LT, but it is limited by poor availability of splittable organs and many organisational aspects. In this context left lateral living donor LT may be the ideal solution.

Methods:

Report about the technique and results of living donor RAPID procedure.

Technique:

A 49 years old woman affected with i-CRLM from adenocarcinoma of right colon, underwent a left hepatectomy with ligation of right portal vein maintaining the right hepatic artery patent. Subsequently, the left lateral lobe from her son was implanted as auxiliary partial orthotopic LT. Two weeks later completion of hepatectomy was performed.

Results:

The donor postoperative course was uneventful. The recipient developed postoperatively a slight small for size syndrome which spontaneously resolved. No graft dysfunction and no rejection were observed. At POM 5 micrometastases occurred in bones and lungs, which were treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, respectively. Almost 2 years later the patient is alive, in good general condition, although slight progression of bone and lung metastases.

Conclusions:

LT poses a valid treatment option for i-CRLM. In times of organ paucity, “living donor-RAPID” procedure may represent a paradigm shift in the management of i-CRLM.
Understanding survivors’ needs and outcomes: the role of routinely collected data
Authors: Lu Liya , Deane Jennifer , Sharp Linda
Published: June 2018

Purpose of review

The number of cancer survivors is growing due to population ageing, earlier detection and more effective therapies. Routinely collected data (RCD), generally cancer registry data, has been used to investigate survivors’ needs and outcomes. We reviewed uses of RCD since 2017, identifying novel findings and research directions.

Recent findings

Survival is improving internationally but continues to vary between subgroups. Longitudinal survivor surveys suggest malignancy-specific temporal patterns in unmet needs and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). Unmet needs are a risk factor for future depression and depression predicts poorer HRQoL in all domains. Emerging evidence suggests links between posttraumatic stress and poor HRQoL and posttraumatic growth and improved HRQoL. Evidence for a link between cancer-related financial hardship and poor HRQoL is accumulating. Surveys and linkage studies continue to show poorer work outcomes in survivors. Among survivors of childhood and young adult cancers, large linkage studies demonstrate significant risk of late effects, including hospitalization, pregnancy and labour complications, and cardiac death.

RCD plays a significant role in understanding survivors’ needs and outcomes. New approaches which overlay different types of data – including detailed clinical and treatment data, biomarker data and nonhealth administrative data – have the potential to generate considerable new knowledge.
Understanding the Correlation Between DSA, Complement Activation, and Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zhang Qiuheng , Hickey Michelle , Drogalis-Kim Diana , Zheng Ying , Gjertson David , Cadeiras Martin , Khuu Tam , Baas Arnold S. , Depasquale Eugene C. , Halnon Nancy J. , Perens Gregory , Alejos Juan , Cruz Daniel , Ali Nsair , Shemin Richard , Kwon Murray , Fishbein Michael C. , Ardehali Abbas , Deng Mario , Reed Elaine F.
Published: June 2018

Background

Donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA) are associated with increased rates of rejection and of graft failure in cardiac transplantation. The goal of this study was to determine the association of preformed and posttransplant development of newly detected DSA (ndDSA) with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and characterize the clinical relevance of complement-activating DSA in heart allograft recipients.

Methods

The study included 128 adult and 48 pediatric heart transplant patients transplanted between 2010 and 2013. Routine posttransplant HLA antibody testing was performed by IgG single-antigen bead test. The C3d single-antigen bead assay was used to identify complement-activating antibodies. Rejection was diagnosed using International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria.

Results

In this study, 22 patients were transplanted with preexisting DSA, and 43 patients developed ndDSA posttransplant. Pretransplant (P < 0.05) and posttransplant (P < 0.001) ndDSA were associated with higher incidence of AMR. Patients with C3d + DSA had significantly higher incidence of AMR compared with patients with no DSA (P < 0.001) or patients with C3d-DSA (P = 0.02). Nine (36%) of 25 patients with AMR developed transplant coronary artery disease compared with 17 (15.9%) of 107 patients without AMR (P < 0.05). Among the 47 patients who received ventricular assistant device (VAD), 7 of 9 VAD+ patients with preformed DSA experienced AMR compared with 7 of 38 VAD+ patients without preformed DSA, indicating presensitization to donor HLA significantly increased the risk of AMR (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Preformed and posttransplant ndDSA were associated with AMR. C3d + DSA correlates with complement deposition on the graft and higher risk of AMR which may permit the application of personalized immunotherapy targeting the complement pathway.
Genome analysis of methicillin resistance in Macrococcus caseolyticus from dairy cattle in England and Wales
Authors: MacFadyen Alison C. , Fisher Elizabeth A. , Costa Ben , Cullen Cassie , Paterson Gavin K.
Published: June 2018

Species of the genus Macrococcus are widespread commensals of animals but are becoming increasingly recognised as veterinary pathogens. They can encode methicillin resistance and are implicated in its spread to the closely-related, but more pathogenic, staphylococci. In this study we have identified 33 isolates of methicillin-resistant Macrococcus caseolyticus from bovine bulk tank milk from England and Wales. These isolates were characterised to provide insight into the molecular epidemiology of M. caseolyticus and to discern the genetic basis for their methicillin resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Vitek2 and disc diffusion. Isolates were whole-genome sequenced to evaluate phylogenetic relationships and the presence of methicillin resistance determinants, mecA–D. All 33 isolates were phenotypically methicillin-resistant according to cefoxitin disc diffusion, cefoxitin Etest and oxacillin resistance assessed by Vitek2. In contrast only a single isolate was resistant in the Vitek2 cefoxitin screen. Twenty-seven isolates were positive for mecD and six were positive for mecB. mecA and mecC were not detected. The results of phylogenetic analysis indicated that these methicillin-resistant isolates represented a heterogeneous population with both mecB and mecD found in diverse isolates. Isolates had a widespread distribution across the sampled region. Taken together with the role of M. caseolyticus in veterinary infections, including bovine mastitis, and in the potential spread of methicillin resistance to more pathogenic staphylococci, this work highlights the need to better understand their epidemiology and for increased awareness among veterinary microbiology laboratories.
Aberrant DEGS1 sphingolipid metabolism impairs central and peripheral nervous system function in humans
Authors: Karsai Gergely , Kraft Florian , Haag Natja , Korenke G Christoph , Hänisch Benjamin , Suriyanarayanan Saranya , Steiner Regula , Knopp Cordula , Mull Michael , Bergmann Markus , Schröder J Michael , Weis Joachim , Elbracht Miriam , Begemann Matthias , Hornemann Thorsten , Kurth Ingo
Published: June 2018

Sphingolipids including ceramides are important components of cellular membranes and functionally associated with fundamental processes such as cell differentiation, neuronal signaling and myelin sheath formation. Defects in the synthesis or degradation of sphingolipids are associated with various neurological pathologies, however, the entire spectrum of disorders affecting sphingolipid metabolism remains elusive. By whole-exome sequencing in a patient with a multisystem neurological disorder of both the central and peripheral nervous system, we identified a homozygous variant p.(Ala280Val) inDEGS1,encoding an enzyme of the ceramide synthesis pathway. The blood sphingolipid profile and patient-derived fibroblasts both showed a significant shift from the unsaturated to the dihydro-forms of sphingolipids. Moreover, an atypical and potentially toxic sphingolipid metabolite is formed as consequence of the altered synthesis pathway. The changes in the sphingolipid profile were recapitulated in a CRISPR/Cas-basedDEGS1knockout HAP1-cell model and by chemical inhibition of DEGS1, suggesting a loss of DEGS1 function in the disease. DEGS1 insufficiency is thus a novel cause for a multisystem neurological disorder. A sphingolipid-rich diet may correct the metabolic profile and improve the clinical outcome of affected individuals and suggests that this heritable condition might be treatable.

Abbreviations

SL

Sphingolipids

SPT

serine-palmitoyltransferase

Cer

Ceramides

dhCer

dihydroceramide

S1P

sphingosine-1-phosphate

SO

sphingosine

HSAN

hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy
Towards reconstructing intelligible speech from the human auditory cortex
Authors: Akbari Hassan , Khalighinejad Bahar , Herrero Jose L. , Mehta Ashesh D. , Mesgarani Nima
Published: June 2018

Auditory stimulus reconstruction is a technique that finds the best approximation of the acoustic stimulus from the population of evoked neural activity. Reconstructing speech from the human auditory cortex creates the possibility of a speech neuroprosthetic to establish a direct communication with the brain and has been shown to be possible in both overt and covert conditions. However, the low quality of the reconstructed speech has severely limited the utility of this method for brain-computer interface (BCI) applications. To advance the state-of-the-art in speech neuroprosthesis, we combined the recent advances in deep learning with the latest innovations in speech synthesis technologies to reconstruct closed-set intelligible speech from the human auditory cortex. We investigated the dependence of reconstruction accuracy on linear and nonlinear (deep neural network) regression methods and the acoustic representation that is used as the target of reconstruction, including auditory spectrogram and speech synthesis parameters. In addition, we compared the reconstruction accuracy from low and high neural frequency ranges. Our results show that a deep neural network model that directly estimates the parameters of a speech synthesizer from all neural frequencies achieves the highest subjective and objective scores on a digit recognition task, improving the intelligibility by 65% over the baseline method which used linear regression to reconstruct the auditory spectrogram. These results demonstrate the efficacy of deep learning and speech synthesis algorithms for designing the next generation of speech BCI systems, which not only can restore communications for paralyzed patients but also have the potential to transform human-computer interaction technologies.
EECoG-Comp: An Open Source Platform for Concurrent EEG/ECoG Comparisons: applications to connectivity stuides
Authors: Wang Qing , Valdés-Hernández Pedro Antonio , Paz-Linares Deirel , Bosch-Bayard Jorge , Oosugi Naoya , Komatsu Misako , Fujii Naotaka , Valdés-Sosa Pedro Antonio
Published: June 2018

Electrophysiological Source Imaging (ESI) methods are hampered by the lack of “gold standards” for model comparison. Concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings (namely EECoG) are considered gold standard to validating EEG generative models with primate models have the unique advantages of both flexibility and translational value in human research. However the severe EEG artifacts during such invasive experiments, the complexity of providing sufficiently detailed biophysical models, as well as lacking sound statistical connectivity comparison methods have hampered the availability and analysis of such datasets. In this paper, 1) we provide EECoG-Comp: an open source platform (https://github.com/Vincent-wq/EECoG-Comp) which encompasses the preprocessing, forward modeling, simulation and comparison module; 2) we take the simultaneous EECoG dataset from www.neurotycho.org as an example to illustrate the use of this platform and compare the source connectivity estimation performance of 4 popular ESI methods named MNE, LCMV, eLORETA and SSBL. The conclusion shows the limits of performance of these ESI connectivity estimators using both simulations and real data analysis. In fact, the use of this platform also suggests the need for both improved simultaneous EEG and ECoG experiments and ESI connectivity estimators.
Transcription initiation defines kinetoplast RNA boundaries
Authors: Sement François M. , Suematsu Takuma , Zhang Liye , Yu Tian , Huang Lan , Aphasizheva Inna , Aphasizhev Ruslan
Published: June 2018

Mitochondrial genomes are often transcribed into polycistronic primary RNAs punctuated by tRNAs whose excision defines mature RNA boundaries. Although kinetoplast DNA lacks tRNA genes, it is commonly held that monophosphorylated 5′-ends of functional molecules typify precursor partitioning by an unknown endonuclease. To the contrary, we demonstrate that inTrypanosoma bruceiindividual mRNAs and rRNAs are independently synthesized as 3′ extended precursors. The transcription-defined 5′ terminus is converted into monophosphorylated state by the 5′ pyrophosphohydrolase complex, termed PPsome, which is activated by RNA editing substrate binding complex (RESC). Most guide RNAs lack PPsome recognition sites and, therefore, remain triphosphorylated. We provide evidence that both 5′ pyrophosphate removal and 3′ adenylation are essential for mRNA stabilization. Furthermore, we uncover a mechanism by which antisense RNA-controlled 3′-5′ exonucleolytic trimming defines mRNA 3′-end. We conclude that mitochondrial mRNAs and rRNAs are transcribed and processed as insulated units irrespective of their genomic location.

Significance

It is commonly held that in trypanosomes both mitochondrial DNA strands are transcribed into polycistronic precursors. These primary RNAs are presumably partitioned into individual pre-mRNAs by a “cryptic” endonuclease. We challenged the polycistronic transcription/ endonuclease model after revealing precursor processing by 3′-5′ degradation. This work demonstrates individual transcription of each gene and mRNA 5′-end definition by the first incorporated nucleotide triphosphate. We have uncovered the stabilizing role of 5′ triphosphate to monophosphate conversion and identified a protein complex responsible for this reaction. We have discovered antisense noncoding RNA originating near mRNA 3′ end and showed that a duplex formation modulates exonuclease activity to delimit the mature 3′ end. Collectively, our findings reveal mechanisms by which transcription defines both mRNA termini.
Accurate protein-folding transition-path statistics from a simple free-energy landscape
Authors: Jacobs William M. , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: June 2018

A central goal of protein-folding theory is to predict the stochastic dynamics of transition paths — the rare trajectories that transit between the folded and unfolded ensembles — using only thermodynamic information, such as a low-dimensional equilibrium free-energy landscape. However, commonly used one-dimensional landscapes typically fall short of this aim, because an empirical coordinate-dependent diffusion coefficient has to be fit to transition-path trajectory data in order to reproduce the transition-path dynamics. We show that an alternative, first-principles free-energy landscape predicts transition-path statistics that agree well with simulations and single-molecule experiments without requiring dynamical data as an input. This ‘topological configuration’ model assumes that distinct, native-like substructures assemble on a timescale that is slower than native-contact formation but faster than the folding of the entire protein. Using only equilibrium simulation data to determine the free energies of these coarse-grained intermediate states, we predict a broad distribution of transition-path transit times that agrees well with the transition-path durations observed in simulations. We further show that both the distribution of finite-time displacements on a one-dimensional order parameter and the ensemble of transition-path trajectories generated by the model are consistent with the simulated transition paths. These results indicate that a landscape based on transient folding intermediates, which are often hidden by one-dimensional projections, can form the basis of a predictive model of protein-folding transition-path dynamics.
Gut microbiome recovery after antibiotic usage is mediated by specific bacterial species
Authors: Nandi Tannistha , Lee Ivor Russel , Ghosh Tarini , Qi Ng Amanda Hui , Chng Kern Rei , Li Chenhao , Tan Yi Han , Lye David , Barkham Timothy , Chen Swaine , Gan Yunn-Hwen , Young Barnaby , Nagarajan Niranjan
Published: June 2018

Dysbiosis in the gut microbiome due to antibiotic usage can persist for extended periods of time, impacting host health and increasing the risk for pathogen colonization. The specific factors associated with variability in gut microbiome recovery remain unknown. Using data from 4 different cohorts in 3 continents comprising >500 microbiome profiles from 117 subjects, we identified 20 bacterial species exhibiting robust association with gut microbiome recovery post antibiotic therapy. Functional and growth analysis showed that microbiome recovery is supported by enrichment in carbohydrate degradation and energy production capabilities. Association rule mining on 782 microbiome profiles from the MEDUSA database enabled reconstruction of the gut microbial ‘food-web’, identifying many recovery-associated bacteria (RABs) as primary colonizing species, with the ability to use both host and diet-derived energy sources, and to break down complex carbohydrates to support the growth of other bacteria. Experiments in a mouse model recapitulated the ability of RABs (Bacteroides thetaiotamicron and Bifidobacterium adolescentis) to promote microbiome recovery with synergistic effects, providing a two orders of magnitude boost to microbial abundance in early time-points and faster maturation of microbial diversity. The identification of specific microbial factors promoting microbiome recovery opens up opportunities for rationally fine-tuning pre- and probiotic formulations that prevent pathogen colonization and promote gut health.
Title: Mechanisms of Host Cell Binding and Neurotropism of Zika Virus
Authors: Rieder C.A. , Rieder J. , Sannajust S. , Goode D. , Geguchadze R. , Relich R.F. , Molliver D.C. , King T.E. , Vaughn J. , May M.
Published: June 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) recently emerged in the Western Hemisphere with previously unrecognized or unreported clinical presentations. Here, we identify two distinct binding mechanisms of ancestral and emergent ZIKV strains featuring the envelope (E) protein residue ASN154 and viral phosphatidylserine (PS). Short (20-mer) peptides representing the region containing ASN154 from strains PRVABC59 (Puerto Rico 2015) and MR_766 (Uganda 1947) were exposed to neuronal cells and fibroblasts, expecting interactions to be representative of ZIKV E protein/cell interactions, and bound MDCK or Vero cells and primary neurons significantly above a scrambled PRVABC59 control peptide. Peptides also significantly inhibited Vero cell adsorption by ZIKV strains MR_766 and PRVABC59, indicating that we have identified a binding mechanism of ancestral African ZIKV strains and emergent Western Hemisphere strains.

Pretreatment of ZIKV MR_766 and PRVABC59 with the PS-binding protein annexin V significantly inhibited replication of PRVABC59, but not MR_766, suggesting that Western hemisphere strains are additionally utilizing PS-mediated entry to infect host cells. Taken together, these data indicate that we have identified an ancestral binding mechanism of ZIKV, and a secondary binding mechanism utilized by Western Hemisphere strains.
Laminating the mammalian cortex during development: cell polarity protein function and Hippo signaling
Authors: Abdi Khadar , Kuo Chay T.
Published: June 2018

During mammalian brain development, radial glial progenitors balance between proliferation and differentiation to generate the laminated cortical layers in a temporally precise fashion. Defects in the individual steps going into this complex organogenesis can result in cortical malformations and human nervous system disorders. In this issue of Genes & Development, Liu and colleagues (pp. 763–780) present experimental evidence that an evolutionarily conserved cellular polarity gene, Pard3 (partitioning-defective 3), controls the balance of radial glial proliferation and differentiation through interaction with the Hippo signal transduction pathway. Conditional deletion of Pard3 in the developing rodent cortex resulted in striking subcortical band heterotopia, reminiscent of a severe form of human cortical malformation.
Performance monitoring and analysis of various parameters for a small UAV turbojet engine
Authors: Kiyak Emre , Unal Gulay , Ozer Nilgun Fazilet
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss engine health monitoring for unmanned aerial vehicles. It is intended to make consistent predictions about the future status of the engine performance parameters by using their current states.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to minimize risks before they turn into problems. In accordance with these objectives, temporal and financial savings are planned to be achieved by contributing processes such as extending the engine life, preventing early disassembly-reassembly and mechanical wears and reducing the maintenance costs. Based on this point of view, a data-based software is developed in MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) program for the so-called process.

Findings

The software is operated for the performance parameters of the turbojet engine that is used in a small unmanned aerial vehicle of Tusas Engine Industry. The obtained results are compared with the real data of the engine. As a result of this comparison, a fault that may occur in the engine can be detected before being determined.

Originality/value

It is clearly demonstrated that the engine operation in adverse conditions can be prevented. This situation means that the software developed operates successfully.
Korea’s Government reform in public policy and management
Authors: Park Jin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the historical path and the future direction of the government reform initiative in Korea regarding the public policy and management reform.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of National Agenda published by the Presidential Transition Committees of each president for the past 20 years.

Findings

Public policy reform has been rather slow or even has gone backwards for some periods of time in Korea. The market intervention by the government needs to be reduced whereas its role in the social welfare or people’s quality of life should be expanded. President needs to create a reform-driving agency to design a new paradigm of government role.

Originality/value

There has been no research that has investigated Korea’s Government reform with the framework of public management and public policy reform.
IT ambidexterity for business processes: the importance of balance
Authors: Heckmann Carl Simon , Maedche Alexander
Published: June 2018

Purpose

In highly dynamic industries, business processes require exploitation, i.e. activities that are associated with an increase in productivity through automation, standardization, integrated architectures, and the usage of existing IT resources. As a complementary capability, exploration is needed, i.e. the ability to flexibly implement new and innovative IT resources (Lee et al., 2015). The purpose of this paper is to use the concept of ambidexterity, which is researched intensively outside the domain of business processes (e.g. Gibson and Birkinshaw, 2004; Tang and Rai, 2014), to address this paradoxical trade-off within business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a qualitative approach. A multiple case study comprising 11 interviews and additional document analysis in six organizations is conducted in the German energy sector to examine the proposed framework.

Findings

This paper shows the importance of balancing exploitative and explorative business process IT (BPIT) capabilities. The process-theoretical outcome of this study is the BPIT Capability Framework that provides explanation for the interaction between exploitation and exploration.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the understanding of how to build ambidextrous BPIT capabilities by explaining the underlying mechanisms for feedback loops that occur in cases of imbalance. The scope of the conducted study presents a limitation and thus future research is encouraged to further validate the findings of this paper.

Originality/value

By drilling down to the process level, this paper addresses the gaps that limited empirical studies have in business process management research (Recker and Mendling, 2015) and the focus on business processes that is lacking from the literature on organizational IT management (Gregory et al., 2015).
Quality of life after vaginal and cesarean deliveries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rezaei Satar , Salimi Yahya , Zahirian Moghadam Telma , Mirzarahimi Tiba , Mehrtak Mohammad , Zandian Hamed
Published: June 2018

Purpose

There are so many studies which evaluated the maternal quality of life based on their delivery type with different results. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of type of delivery on the maternal QOL systematically.

Design/methodology/approach

In this systematic review, which was conducted for 15 years (2000-2016), the international databases including PubMed, Scopes and ISI and the Persian databases were searched using the following words: quality of life or health-related quality of life, vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery or cesarean section. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was adopted for this study. The quality of articles was assessed by a checklist that has been used in previous studies. All of the data analysis was performed using STATA ver.12.

Findings

In total, 13 articles were included in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall sample included 8,136 women (3,990 cesareans vs 4,146 vaginal). The results of the random effect model for eight QOL dimensions based on SF-36 questionnaire showed that there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of QOL. But this model for four QOL dimensions of WHOQOL showed that the maternal in two groups had a significant difference in two dimensions of QOL (mental health and total health) and insignificant difference in other dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study may have been affected by the selection of few databases. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions in further databases.

Practical implications

The study results could be helpful to design appropriate policies for maternal based on their type of delivery.

Originality/value

This systematic review showed that despite the insignificant difference between women with vaginal delivery vs women with cesarean delivery in some aspects of QOL, it can be concluded that health status of women with vaginal delivery is better than women with cesarean delivery, so it should be considered in the setting of appropriate policies and implementation framework to encourage women for choosing the appropriate delivery type.
Last-mile distribution planning for fruit-and-vegetable cold chains
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Hsiang , Chen Mu-Chen , Lu Kuan-Yu , Chin Cheng-Lin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and solve a last-mile distribution plan problem with concern for the quality of fruits and vegetables in cold chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) is extended based on the characteristics of fruit-and-vegetable cold chains. The properties of multiple perishable foods, continuing decline in quality, various requirements for quality levels and optimal temperature settings during vehicle transportation are considered in the VRPTW. The product quality level is defined by the estimation of residual shelf life, which changes with temperature, and is characterized by a stepped decrease during the transportation process as time goes on. A genetic algorithm (GA) is adapted to solve the problem because of its convincing ability to solve VRPTW-related problems. For this purpose, solution encoding, a fitness function and evolution operators are designed to deal with the complicated problem herein.

Findings

A distribution plan including required fleet size, vehicle routing sequence and what quality level should be shipped out to account for the quality degradation during vehicle transportation is generated. The results indicate that the fulfillment of various requirements of different customers for various fruits and vegetables and quality levels can be ensured with cost considerations.

Originality/value

This study presents a problem for last-mile delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables which considers multiple practical scenarios not studied previously. A solution algorithm based on a GA is developed to address this problem. The proposed model is easily applied to other types of perishable products.
Tribological properties of brake friction materials containing fly ash
Authors: Sugözü Banu
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of fly ash in automotive brake lining materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Three brake linings containing fly ash (36, 41 and 46 Wt.%) were designed and produced by dry-mixing, pre-forming and hot pressing. The surface hardness of all brake lining samples was measured by using Brinell hardness tester. The density of the specimens was determined based on Archimedean principle in water. The friction and wear characteristics of the brake lining samples were determined using a real brake disc-type tester. Detailed examinations on the worn surface were analyzed using a scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

Fly ash can be good alternative as space filler to reduce the cost for brake lining.

Originality/value

The present study has successfully demonstrated that there is a high potential for commercial applications of brake linings including fly ash as a filler.
Success in business studies and mathematical background: the case of Norway
Authors: Opstad Leiv
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the type of mathematics skills developed at secondary school an effect on students’ later success in business studies. At many business schools in Norway, more students are applying than there are places available. The ranking of applications depends on the grade point average (GPA) level, irrespective of the level or type of mathematics studied at secondary school, where the students are free to choose practically orientated or theoretical mathematics.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative analysis (regression model) was applied using data for undergraduate students enrolled in business studies over a three–year period (2012–2014).

Findings

Students with a non-theoretical background in mathematics obtain systematically lower grades on many courses, especially in core business school subjects. Ranking applicants to business studies courses based on their GPA scores irrespective of their level of mathematics may lead to the admission of less able students.

Research limitations/implications

There is little information available concerning why students choose different paths in mathematics at upper secondary school, but the decision students make has an influence on their grades in business courses.

Originality/value

By requiring more knowledge of theoretical mathematics, students’ performance at business school will improve. Changing the admission criteria could improve the quality of graduates and reduce the dropout rate.
Capital regulation and systemic risk in the insurance sector
Authors: Gehrig Thomas , Iannino Maria Chiara
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze systemic risk in and the effect of capital regulation on the European insurance sector. In particular, the evolution of an exposure measure (SRISK) and a contribution measure (Delta CoVaR) are analyzed from 1985 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of multivariate regressions, the main drivers of systemic risk are identified.

Findings

The paper finds an increasing degree of interconnectedness between banks and insurance that correlates with systemic risk exposure. Interconnectedness peaks during periods of crisis but has a long-term influence also during normal times. Moreover, the paper finds that the insurance sector was greatly affected by spillovers from the process of capital regulation in banking. While European insurance companies initially at the start of the Basel process of capital regulation were well capitalized according to the SRISK measure, they started to become capital deficient after the implementation of the model-based approach in banking with increasing speed thereafter.

Practical implications

These findings are highly relevant for the ongoing global process of capital regulation in the insurance sector and potential reforms of Solvency II. Systemic risk is a leading threat to the stability of the global financial system and keeping it under control is a main challenge for policymakers and supervisors.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel tools for supervisors to monitor risk exposures in the insurance sector while taking into account systemic feedback from the financial system and the banking sector in particular. These tools also allow an evidence-based policy evaluation of regulatory measures such as Solvency II.
Managerial incentives and accounts receivable management policy
Authors: Yao Haibo , Deng Yiling
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Previous research has documented that high vega CEOs increase R&D investment (Coles et al., 2006) and liquidity (Liu and Mauer, 2011), but provided little clue about how those CEOs get the necessary resources to support those choices. Frankel et al. (2016) highlight firms’ compensation incentives to manipulate working capital components, the authors use accounts receivable as an example to illustrate. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ sorting, and various regression methods and adjust the Faulkender and Wang (2006) model to test two hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find a negative relation between managerial risk-taking incentives (vega) and accounts receivable and a negative relation between vega and the market value of accounts receivable to shareholders.

Research limitations/implications

The authors do not compare PPE investment, external financing with accounts receivable to figure out whether accounts receivable is better and more efficient to adjust.

Practical implications

The evidence primarily supports the internal allocation hypothesis that high vega managers reduce the accounts receivable investment and that the equity market discounts the value of accounts receivable for high vega firms.

Social implications

Equity holders should consider the internal allocation effect when setting CEO compensation incentives, also they should be cautious when CEOs change their accounts receivable management policy. The equity market discounts the value of accounts receivable for high vega firms.

Originality/value

This study provides important information about the CEO compensation incentives, a new explanation about the formation of accounts receivable management policy, and the market value implication of accounts receivable.