bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The (Dis) Utility of a Change in Troponin I for Diagnosis of Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in an Observation Unit
Authors: Patsias Iani , Swanson Benjamin , Hudson Michael , Parikh Sachin , Nour Khaled , Jacobsen Gordon , McCord James
Published: July 2017

Background:

Observation units (OUs) may be an efficient and effective setting to diagnose and risk stratify patients with coronary ischemia and myocardial infarction (MI). Given improved cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays and expanded utilization of OUs, it is not uncommon for patients with mildly elevated cTnI to be evaluated in OUs. We investigated the serial cTnI results in OU patients to determine whether absolute or relative cTnI changes were useful for the diagnosis of MI.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 260 patients placed in the OU from a single center in 2007, with an initial cTnI in the indeterminate range of 0.04–0.2 ng/ml (Siemens ultrasensitive), and a second cTnI was drawn at 6 hours. The diagnosis of MI was determined based on the third universal definition of MI by consensus review of 2 cardiologists, with adjudication by a third cardiologist in case of disagreement.

Results:

Of the 260 patients, 25 (9.6%) were determined to have MI at OU presentation. The optimal absolute and relative change in cTnI for MI diagnosis by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were 0.02 ng/ml and 40%, respectively. There was initial cardiologist disagreement in 60% (15/25) of MI cases despite full review of serial cTnI and cardiac testing results. At 30 days, there were 3 adverse events: 2 deaths and 1 MI.

Conclusions:

The diagnosis of MI in OU with low-level cTnI elevation is problematic. Furthermore, there is only marginal diagnostic utility of serial changes in cTnI in this patient population.
Effect Evaluation of a Randomized Trial to Reduce Infectious Illness and Illness-related Absenteeism Among Schoolchildren: The Hi Five Study
Authors: Denbæk Anne Maj , Andersen Anette , Bonnesen Camilla Thørring , Laursen Bjarne , Ersbøll Annette Kjær , Due Pernille , Johansen Anette
Published: July 2017

Background:

Previous school-based hand hygiene interventions have reported to successfully reduce infectious illness among schoolchildren. But few studies have tested the effect in large populations with adequate statistical power and analyses. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a school-based multicomponent intervention to improve handwashing among schoolchildren, the Hi Five study, succeeded in reducing infectious illness and illness-related absenteeism in schools.

Methods:

The Hi Five study was a three-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 43 randomly selected Danish schools; two intervention arms involving 14 schools each, and 15 control schools. Infectious illness days, infectious illness episodes and illness-related absenteeism were estimated in multilevel regressions, based on available cases of text messages answered by parents and based on questionnaire data reported by schoolchildren, respectively.

Results:

At follow-up, children in the intervention schools did not differ from the control schools in number of illness days [odds ratio (OR)I-arm I: 0.91 (0.77–1.07) and ORI-arm II: 0.94 (0.79–1.12)] and illness episodes [ORI-arm I: 0.95 (0.81–1.11) and ORI-arm II: 0.98 (0.84–1.16)] or in reporting illness-related absenteeism [ORI-arm I: 1.09 (0.83–1.43) & ORI-arm II: 1.06 (0.81–1.40)].

Conclusions:

The multicomponent Hi Five intervention achieved no difference in the number of illness days, illness episodes or illness-related absenteeism among children in intervention schools compared with control schools. It is noteworthy that one of the main components in the intervention, a mandatory daily handwashing before lunch, was only implemented by 1 of 3 of teachers in intervention schools.
Pitch Counts in Youth Baseball and Softball: A Historical Review
Authors: Feeley Brian T. , Schisel Jessica , Agel Julie
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Pitching injuries are getting increased attention in the mass media. Many references are made to pitch counts and the role they play in injury prevention. The original purpose of regulating the pitch count in youth baseball was to reduce injury and fatigue to pitchers. This article reviews the history and development of the pitch count limit in baseball, the effect it has had on injury, and the evidence regarding injury rates on softball windmill pitching.

Data Source:

Literature search through PubMed, mass media, and organizational Web sites through June 2015.

Results:

Pitch count limits and rest recommendations were introduced in 1996 after a survey of 28 orthopedic surgeons and baseball coaches showed injuries to baseball pitchers' arms were believed to be from the number of pitches thrown. Follow-up research led to revised recommendations with more detailed guidelines in 2006. Since that time, data show a relationship between innings pitched and upper extremity injury, but pitch type has not clearly been shown to affect injury rates. Current surveys of coaches and players show that coaches, parents, and athletes often do not adhere to these guidelines. There are no pitch count guidelines currently available in softball.

Conclusions:

The increase in participation in youth baseball and softball with an emphasis on early sport specialization in youth sports activities suggests that there will continue to be a rise in injury rates to young throwers. The published pitch counts are likely to positively affect injury rates but must be adhered to by athletes, coaches, and parents.
Unique Case of Hearing Recovery After Otic Capsule Destruction and Complete Sensorineural Hearing Loss Caused by Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Losie Jennifer A. , Yong Michael , Kozak Frederick K. , Chadha Neil K.
Published: July 2017

A 14-year-old woman presented with right-sided otologic and vestibular symptoms after presenting with hormonal disturbances earlier that year. Imaging showed a gross destruction of the temporal bone, mastoid air cells, and external acoustic meatus with invasion into the otic capsule. The patient experienced complete sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear. Biopsy diagnosed Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and the patient was treated with chemotherapy. After 1 year of treatment, the patient's hearing partially recovered and imaging showed reconstitution of the temporal bone including the otic capsule. Our case is the first report of complete sensorineural hearing loss with partial recovery after LCH treatment.
Vestibular Function in Adults With Epilepsy of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Hamed Sherifa A. , Tohamy Amal M. , Oseilly Amira M.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate vestibular function in adults with chronic epilepsy of unknown etiology in the inter-ictal period.

Background:

Epilepsy is a chronic medical disorder. Life-long therapy may be required in one-third of patients. Epilepsy is associated with comorbid somatic conditions which impairs patients’ quality of life.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 28 with generalized tonic clonic (GTC) convulsions and 14 and 3 with temporal (TLE) and frontal lobe (FLE) epilepsies with secondary generalization (all were on regular carbamazepine therapy) and 40 healthy control subjects. The patients’ mean age was 34.97 ± 7.35 years and the duration of illness was 18.75 ± 7.99 years. All underwent videonystagmography (VNG).

Results:

Compared with controls, patients had frequent vestibular symptoms including dizziness (62.22%) (p = 0.0001) and sense of imbalance (44.44%) (p = 0.0001). Eleven patients (24.44%) had central vestibular dysfunction (p = 0.0001); 9 (20%) had mixed vestibular dysfunction and one (2.22%) had peripheral vestibular dysfunction (p = 0.0001). Abnormalities were observed in saccadic (44.4%) and pursuit (42.2%) eye movements, optokinetic nystagmus (42.2%) and positioning/positional (11.11%) and caloric (13.33%) testing. TLE and FLE were associated with more VNG abnormalities than GTC. No significant differences were observed in the demographic and clinical characteristics between patients with and without VNG abnormalities.

Conclusion:

Vestibular manifestations are frequent in patients with epilepsy. This may be a result of the permanent damaging effect of chronic epilepsy on the vestibular cortical areas and/or a toxic effect from prolonged carbamazepine therapy on the peripheral and central vestibular systems.
Epidemiology and location of primary retrieval missions in a Scottish aeromedical service
Authors: Neagle Gregg , Curatolo Lisa , Ferris John , Donald Mike , Hearns Stephen , Corfield Alasdair R.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Prehospital critical care teams comprising an appropriately trained physician and paramedic or nurse have been associated with improved outcomes in selected trauma patients. These teams are a scarce and expensive resource, especially when delivered by rotary air assets. The optimal tasking of prehospital critical care teams is therefore vital and remains a subject of debate. Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS) provides a prehospital critical care response team to incidents over a large area of Scotland either by air or by road.

Methods

A convenience sample of consecutive EMRS missions covering a period of 18 months from May 2013 to January 2015 was taken. These missions were matched with the ambulance service information on geographical location of the incident. In order to assess the appropriateness of tasking, interventions undertaken on each mission were analysed and divided into two subcategories: ‘critical care interventions’ and ‘advanced medical interventions’. A tasking was deemed appropriate if it included either category of intervention or if a patient was pronounced life extinct at the scene.

Results

A total of 1279 primary missions were undertaken during the study period. Of these, 493 primary missions met the inclusion criteria and generated complete location data. The median distance to scene was calculated as 5.6 miles for land responses and 34.2 miles for air responses. Overall, critical care interventions were performed on 17% (84/493) of patients. A further 21% (102/493) of patients had an advanced medical intervention. Including those patients for whom life was pronounced extinct on scene by the EMRS team, a total of 42% (206/493) taskings were appropriate.

Discussion

Overall, our data show a wide geographical spread of tasking for our service, which is in keeping with other suburban/rural models of prehospital care. Tasking accuracy is also comparable to the accuracy shown by other similar services.
One Hundred Twenty-One Resected Solid Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas
Authors: Xu Yadong , Zhao Guochao , Pu Ning , Nuerxiati Abulimiti , Ji Yuan , Zhang Lei , Rong Yefei , Lou Wenhui , Wang Dansong , Kuang Tiantao , Xu Xuefeng , Wu Wenchuan
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The aims of this study were to introduce our experience with treating patients with pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) and to investigate the clinical risk factors for recurrence of SPTs because no consensus has been established to date.

Methods

One hundred twenty-one patients underwent surgical resection from January 2008 to December 2015 in our institution. Clinical data were collected from the standardized reports.

Results

Of the 121 patients, 93 (76.9%) were women, 28 (23.1%) were men, and the mean age at diagnosis was 33.7 years (range, 11–68 years). Sixty patients were subjected to short-term complications, and 8 patients experienced long-term complications, some of whom may require surgery. The tumor located in the distal pancreas (P = 0.02), and a Ki-67 index value > 1.5 (P = 0.01) indicated malignancy according to the World Health Organization 2000 classification. One hundred three patients responded to follow-up, and 3 cases (2.9%) were subject to liver metastases. Recurrence was more frequently observed in tumors classified as high-grade malignancies according to the World Health Organization 2010 classification (P = 0.013), synchronous metastases (P < 0.001), peripancreatic fat infiltration (P = 0.018), and lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Evaluating the risk of the recurrence of SPTs still requires systematic and multicenter trials in the future, even some pathological features showed statistical differences.
Flipping the Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Authors: Day Cristi , Barker Connie , Bell Eva , Sefcik Elizabeth , Flournoy Deborah
Published: July 2017

Objective evaluation of distance-based family nurse practitioner (FNP) students can be challenging. One FNP program piloted a teaching innovation, the video-enhanced objective structured clinical examination (VE-OSCE) or “flip” of the traditional face-to-face OSCE, to assess student clinical performance in a controlled online environment using a teleconferencing platform. This project sought to assess the VE-OSCE design, implementation, and ability to identify FNP student learning needs.
Traditional Long-Term Central Venous Catheters Versus Transhepatic Venous Catheters in Infants and Young Children
Authors: Marshall Amanda Marie , Danford David A. , Curzon Christopher L. , Anderson Venus , Delaney Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Children with congenital heart disease may require long-term central venous access for intensive care management; however, central venous access must also be preserved for future surgical and catheterization procedures. Transhepatic venous catheters may be an useful alternative. The objective of this study was to compare transhepatic venous catheters with traditional central venous catheters regarding complication rate and duration of catheter service.

Design:

Retrospective review of 12 congenital heart disease patients from September 2013 to July 2015 who underwent placement of one or more transhepatic venous catheters.

Setting:

Single freestanding pediatric hospital located in the central United States.

Patients:

Pediatric patients with congenital heart disease who underwent placement of transhepatic venous catheter.

Interventions:

Cohort’s central venous catheter complication rates and duration of catheter service were compared with transhepatic venous catheter data.

Measurements and Main Results:

Twelve patients had a total of 19 transhepatic venous lines. Transhepatic venous lines had a significantly longer duration of service than central venous lines (p = 0.001). No difference between the two groups was found in the number of documented thrombi, thrombolytic burden, or catheter sites requiring wound care consultation. A higher frequency of infection in transhepatic venous lines versus central venous lines was found, isolated to four transhepatic venous lines that had a total of nine infections. All but one was successfully managed without catheter removal. The difference in the proportion of infections to catheters in transhepatic venous lines versus central venous lines was significant (p = 0.0001), but no difference in the rate of infection-related catheter removal was found.

Conclusions:

Without compromising future central venous access sites, transhepatic venous lines had superior duration of service without increased thrombosis, thrombolytic use, or insertion site complications relative to central venous lines. Transhepatic venous catheters had a higher infection rate, and further investigation into the etiology is warranted.
Lung Cancer
Authors: de Groot Patricia M. , Shroff Girish S. , Carter Brett W. , Godoy Myrna C.B. , Plodkowski Andrew J. , P. Ko Jane , Munden Reginald F.
Published: July 2017

In patients with early-stage lung cancer, surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Knowledge of the expected postsurgical changes and awareness of the temporal evolution of these findings as well as potential complications are important in avoiding misinterpretation. We review the surgical techniques used for lung cancer resection, expected postoperative radiologic manifestations, as well as potential early and late postoperative complications in order to improve diagnostic interpretation and optimize patient management.
Targeting Value-Driven Quality Improvement for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Michigan
Authors: Sheetz Kyle H. , Kenney Brooke , Dupree James M. , Campbell Darrell A. , Englesbe Michael J.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate complete episode expenditures for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a common and lower-risk operation, to characterize novel targets for value-based quality improvement.

Summary Background Data:

Despite enthusiasm for improving the overall value of surgical care, most efforts have focused on high-risk inpatient surgery.

Methods:

We identified 19,213 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy from 2012 to 2015 using data from Medicare and a large private payer. We calculated price-standardized payments for the entire surgical episode of care and stratified patients by surgeon. We used linear regression to risk- and reliability-adjusted expenditures for patient characteristics, diagnoses, and the use of additional procedures.

Results:

Fully adjusted total episode costs varied 2.4-fold across surgeons ($7922–$17,500). After grouping surgeons by adjusted total episode payments, each component of the total episode was more expensive for patients treated by the most expensive versus the least expensive quartile of surgeons. For example, payments for physician services were higher for the most expensive surgeons [$1932, 95% confidence interval (CI) $1844–$2021] compared to least expensive surgeons ($1592, 95% CI $1450–$1701, P < 0.01). Overall differences were driven by higher rates of complications (10% vs. 5%) and readmissions (14% vs. 8%), and lower rates of ambulatory procedures (77% vs. 56%) for surgeons with the highest versus lowest expenditures. Projections showed that a 10% increase ambulatory operations would yield $3.6 million in annual savings for beneficiaries.

Conclusions:

Episode payments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy vary widely across surgeons. Although improvements in several domains would reduce expenditures, efforts to expand ambulatory surgical practices may result in the largest savings to beneficiaries in Michigan.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and Margins <2 mm
Authors: Tadros Audree B. , Smith Benjamin D. , Shen Yu , Lin Heather , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Lucci Anthony , Barcenas Carlos H. , Hwang Rosa F. , Rauch Gaiane , Santiago Lumarie , Strom Eric A. , DeSnyder Sarah M. , Yang Wei T. , Black Dalliah M. , Albarracin Constance T. , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Hunt Kelly K. , Kuerer Henry M.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To determine the relationship between negative margin width and locoregional recurrence (LRR) in a contemporary cohort of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients.

Background:

Recent national consensus guidelines recommend an optimal margin width of 2 mm or greater for the management of DCIS; however, controversy regarding re-excision remains when managing negative margins <2 mm.

Methods:

One thousand four hundred ninety-one patients with DCIS who underwent breast-conserving surgery from 1996 to 2010 were identified from a prospectively managed cancer center database and analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models to determine the relationship between negative margin width and LRR with or without adjuvant radiation therapy (RT).

Results:

A univariate analysis revealed that age <40 years (n = 89;P= 0.02), no RT (n = 298;P= 0.01), and negative margin width <2 mm (n = 120;P= 0.005) were associated with LRR. The association between margin width and LRR differed by adjuvant RT status (interactionP= 0.02). There was no statistical significant difference in LRR between patients with <2 mm and ≥2 mm negative margins who underwent RT (10-yr LRR rate, 4.8% vs 3.3%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.2–3.2;P= 0.72). For patients who did not undergo RT, those with margins <2 mm were significantly more likely to develop a LRR than were those with margins ≥2 mm (10-yr LRR rate, 30.9% vs 5.4%, respectively; hazard ratio, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.8–16.8,P= 0.003).

Conclusions:

Routine additional surgery may not be justified for patients with negative margins <2 mm who undergo RT but should be performed in patients who forego RT.
Extraocular Muscle Findings in Myasthenia Gravis Associated Treatment-Resistant Ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Rautenbach Robyn M. , Pillay Komala , Murray Anthony D. N. , Heckmann Jeannine M.
Published: July 2017

We report the histopathological and ultrastructural tissue analysis of extraocular muscle (EOM) obtained from a patient with seronegative myasthenia gravis (MG) with treatment-resistant ophthalmoplegia for 3.5 years. The EOM demonstrated predominantly myopathic features and ultrastructural evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction, but the most striking features were increased endomysial collagen and adipocyte replacement of muscle fibers. By contrast, control EOM from a patient undergoing strabismus surgery for a sensory exotropia in a nonseeing eye and a similar duration of deviation, showed normal muscle histology. Although the histopathological and ultrastructural findings largely resemble those of limb muscle in MG, the abundant endomysial collagen may be nonspecific and secondary to poor force generation as a result of chronic ophthalmoplegia.
Chemoselective Lewis pair polymerization of renewable multivinyl-functionalized γ-butyrolactones
Authors: Gowda Ravikumar R. , Chen Eugene Y.-X.
Published: July 2017

Multivinyl-functionalized γ-butyrolactones, γ-vinyl-γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (
γ
VMMBL) and γ-allyl-γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (
γ
AMMBL), have been synthesized from biorenewable ethyl levulinate and effectively polymerized by Lewis pairs consisting of an organic
N
-heterocyclic carbene Lewis base and a strong organo-Lewis acid E(C
6
F
5
)
3
(E = Al, B). This Lewis pair polymerization is quantitatively chemoselective, proceeds exclusively via polyaddition across the conjugated α-methylene double bond without participation of the γ-vinyl or γ-allyl double bond, and produces high-molecular-weight functionalized polymers with unimodal molecular-weight distributions. The Al-based Lewis pair produces a polymer with approximately 5.5 times higher molecular weight than that produced by the B-based Lewis pair. The resulting vinyl-functionalized polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and stable at room temperature, and can be thermally cured into crosslinked materials.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry’.
On the concept of frustrated Lewis pairs
Authors: Fontaine Frédéric-Georges , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: July 2017

In this concept article, we consider the notion of ‘frustrated Lewis pairs’ (FLPs). While the original use of the term referred to steric inhibition of dative bond formation in a Lewis pair, work in the intervening decade demonstrates the limitation of this simplistic view. Analogies to known transition metal chemistry and the applications in other areas of chemistry are considered. In the light of these findings, we present reflections on the criteria for a definition of the term ‘frustrated Lewis pair’. Segregation of the Lewis acid and base and the kinetic nature of FLP reactivity are discussed. We are led to the conclusion that, while an all-inclusive definition of FLP is challenging, the notion of ‘FLP chemistry’ is more readily recognized.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry’.
Molecular cloning of porcine Siglec-3, Siglec-5 and Siglec-10, and identification of Siglec-10 as an alternative receptor for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)
Authors: Xie Jiexiong , Christiaens Isaura , Yang Bo , Breedam Wander Van , Cui Tingting , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: July 2017

In recent years, several entry mediators have been characterized for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Porcine sialoadhesin [pSn, also known as sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin (Siglec-1)] and porcine CD163 (pCD163) have been identified as the most important host entry mediators that can fully coordinate PRRSV infection into macrophages. However, recent isolates have not only shown a tropism for sialoadhesin-positive cells, but also for sialoadhesin-negative cells. This observation might be partly explained by the existence of additional receptors that can support PRRSV binding and entry. In the search for new receptors, recently identified porcine Siglecs (Siglec-3, Siglec-5 and Siglec-10), members of the same family as sialoadhesin, were cloned and characterized. Only Siglec-10 was able to significantly improve PRRSV infection and production in a CD163-transfected cell line. Compared with sialoadhesin, Siglec-10 performed equally effectively as a receptor for PRRSV type 2 strain MN-184, but it was less capable of supporting infection with PRRSV type 1 strain LV (Lelystad virus). Siglec-10 was demonstrated to be involved in the endocytosis of PRRSV, confirming the important role of Siglec-10 in the entry process of PRRSV. In conclusion, it can be stated that PRRSV may use several Siglecs to enter macrophages, which may explain the strain differences in the pathogenesis.
Detection and antibiotic susceptibility of pathogenicEscherichia coliisolated from the final effluent of two wastewater treatment Plants in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Olayinka Osuolale , Anthony Okoh
Published: July 2017

Wastewater is an important reservoir forEscherichia coliand can present significant acute toxicity if released into receiving water sources without being adequately treated. To analyze whether pathogenicE. colistrains that cause infections are in treated effluent and to recognize antibiotic profile. 476 confirmed isolates from two treatment Plants were characterized for the presence of variousE. colipathotypes. A total of 8 pathotypes were screened and only four were confirmed. UPEC was about 5.7% followed by EAEC at 2.3%, NMEC at 1.1% and EPEC at 0.6%. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns ofE. colipathotypes such as UPEC showed low resistance to antibiotics like meropenem (100%), cefotaxime (100%) and gentamicin (88.9%). The pathotype also showed high degrees of resistance to tetracycline (74.1%), ampicillin (74.1%) and cephalothin (66.7%). OtherE. colipathotypes, EAEC, NMEC and EPEC, showed high sensitivity (100%) to meropenem, gentamicin and cefotaxime, and varying degree of resistances to ampicillin, tetracycline and cephalothin. The results of this study reveal that the two Plants discharge effluents with pathogenicE. coliand are reservoir for the bacteria into receiving water sources. In summary, this finding raises the possibility that at least some pathogenicE. colipathotypes are getting into the environment through WWTPs and represent potential route for enteropathogenic infection. In addition, certain pathotypes may have acquired resistance properties, becoming a potential cause of drug resistance infection. This study reveals inadequacy of the plants studied to produce effluents of acceptable quality.
Cyanophages exhibit rhythmic infection patterns under light-dark cycles
Authors: Liu Riyue , Chen Yue , Zhang Rui , Liu Yaxin , Jiao Nianzhi , Zeng Qinglu
Published: July 2017

Most living organisms exhibit diurnal rhythms as an adaptation to the daily light-dark (diel) cycle. However, diurnal rhythms have not been found in viruses. Here, we studied the diel infection patterns of bacteriophages infecting the unicellular cyanobacteriaProchlorococcusandSynechococcus, which are the most abundant photosynthetic organisms in the oceans. With lab cultures, we found that cyanophages used three infection strategies in the dark: no adsorption, adsorption but no replication, and replication. Interestingly, the former two exhibited rhythmic infection patterns under light-dark cycles. We further showed in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific Ocean that cyanophage abundances varied rhythmically, with a peak at night. Moreover, diel transcriptional rhythms of many cyanophage genes were found in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, which also peaked at night. Our results suggested that cyanophage infection ofProchlorococcusis synchronized to the light-dark cycle, which may result in a synchronized release of dissolved organic matter to the marine food web.
Whole-body single-cell sequencing of thePlatynereislarva reveals a subdivision into apical versus non-apical tissues
Authors: Achim Kaia , Eling Nils , Martinez Vergara Hernando , Bertucci Paola Yanina , Brunet Thibaut , Collier Paul , Benes Vladimir , Marioni John C , Arendt Detlev
Published: July 2017

Animal bodies comprise a diverse array of tissues and cells. To characterise cellular identities across an entire body, we have compared the transcriptomes of single cells randomly picked from dissociated whole larvae of the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii1–4. We identify five transcriptionally distinct groups of differentiated cells that are spatially coherent, as revealed by spatial mapping5. Besides somatic musculature, ciliary bands and midgut, we find a group of cells located at the apical tip of the animal, comprising sensory-peptidergic neurons, and another group composed of non-apical neural and epidermal cells covering the rest of the body. These data establish a basic subdivision of the larval body surface into molecularly defined apical versus non-apical tissues, and support the evolutionary conservation of the apical nervous system as a distinct part of the bilaterian brain6.
Genome-scale mutational signatures of aflatoxin in cells, mice, and human tumors
Authors: Huang Mi Ni , Yu Willie , Teoh Wei Wei , Ardin Maude , Jusakul Apinya , Ng Alvin Wei Tian , Boot Arnoud , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Villar Stephanie , Myint Swe Swe , Othman Rashidah , Poon Song Ling , Heguy Adriana , Olivier Magali , Hollstein Monica , Tan Patrick , Teh Bin Tean , Sabapathy Kanaga , Zavadil Jiri , Rozen Steven G.
Published: July 2017

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutagen and IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) Group 1 carcinogen that causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we present the first whole-genome data on the mutational signatures of AFB1 exposure from a total of >40,000 mutations in four experimental systems: two different human cell lines, in liver tumors in wild-type mice, and in mice that carried a hepatitis B surface antigen transgene—this to model the multiplicative effects of aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B in causing HCC. AFB1 mutational signatures from all four experimental systems were remarkably similar. We integrated the experimental mutational signatures with data from newly sequenced HCCs from Qidong County, China, a region of well-studied aflatoxin exposure. This indicated that COSMIC mutational signature 24, previously hypothesized to stem from aflatoxin exposure, indeed likely represents AFB1 exposure, possibly combined with other exposures. Among published somatic mutation data, we found evidence of AFB1 exposure in 0.7% of HCCs treated in North America, 1% of HCCs from Japan, but 16% of HCCs from Hong Kong. Thus, aflatoxin exposure apparently remains a substantial public health issue in some areas. This aspect of our study exemplifies the promise of future widespread resequencing of tumor genomes in providing new insights into the contribution of mutagenic exposures to cancer incidence.
Origin of the chemical stability of phosphine-phosphoramidites: structural study of an UPPhos-type crystal and application of UPPhos in the asymmetric hydrogenation of imines
Authors: Balogh Szabolcs , Farkas Gergely , Holczbauer Tamás , Bakos József
Published: July 2017

Phosphine–phosphoramidites (PPAs) are heterobidentate ligands that have been developed in the last two decades and have been used successfully in asymmetric catalytic reactions. A single crystal of the PPA (11bS)-N-[(2S,4S)-4-(diphenylphosphanyl)pentan-2-yl]-N-methyldinaphtho[2,1-d:1′,2′-f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin-4-amine, C38H35NO2P2, was prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Structure elucidation revealed unique features which might have a significant effect in the excellent chemical stability of this type of molecule. The conformation of the molecule provides an optimal chelating structure. Iridium complexes of UPPhos were found to be efficient catalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation of imines {UPPhos is (11bS)-N-[(2S,4S)-4-(diphenylphosphanyl)pentan-2-yl]-N-(propan-2-yl)dinaphtho[2,1-d:1′,2′-f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin-4-amine}.
Investigating failures in information seeking episodes
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Shah Chirag
Published: July 2017

Purpose

People face barriers and failures in various kinds of information seeking experiences. These are often attributed to either the information seeker or the system/service they use. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why individuals fail to fulfill their information needs in all contexts and situations. It addresses the limitations of existing studies in examining the context of the task and information seeker’s strategy and seeks to gain a holistic understanding of information seeking barriers and failures.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary method used for this investigation is a qualitative survey, in which 63 participants provided 208 real life examples of failures in information seeking. After analyzing the survey data, ten semi-structured interviews with another group of participants were conducted to further examine the survey findings. Data were analyzed using various theoretical frameworks of tasks, strategies, and barriers.

Findings

A careful examination of aspects of tasks, barriers, and strategies identified from the examples revealed that a wide range of external and internal factors caused people’s failures. These factors were also caused or affected by multiple aspects of information seekers’ tasks and strategies. People’s information needs were often too contextual and specific to be fulfilled by the information retrieved. Other barriers, such as time constraint and institutional restrictions, also intensified the problem.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the importance of considering the information seeking episodes in which individuals fail to fulfill their needs in a holistic approach by analyzing their tasks, information needs, strategies, and obstacles. The modified theoretical frameworks and the coding methods used could also be instrumental for future research.
The effects of industry expertise on cost of debt: an individual auditor-level analysis
Authors: Wang Ying-Chieh , Huang Hua Wei , Chiou Jeng-Ren , Huang Yu Chieh
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between the cost of debt (COD) and auditor industry expertise using Taiwanese data. Since previous studies (Li et al., 2010) have only examined the relation between industry specialization and COD at the audit firm level in western countries, the authors further examine the association between industry specialization and COD at the individual auditor level in an Asian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the interest rate on the firm’s debt as a proxy variable for the COD (Francis, Khurana and Pereira, 2005). The authors adopt three different methods to measure industry specialization, which consist of the auditors’ market share in terms of client sales and number of clients, and client assets.

Findings

The results indicate that the clients of industry specialists at individual auditor levels have a lower COD.

Originality/value

First, the authors extend the research of Li et al. (2010) and find that the clients of individual auditor industry specialists also have a lower COD. Second, the authors also believe the evidence on the effects of industry expertise at the individual auditor level may have policy implications for regulators and public investors. Finally, in contrast to works carried out in the US market, the authors provide empirical evidence for the relation between industry specialization and COD in an Asian market.
Factors influencing the implementation of risk-based auditing
Authors: Zainal Abidin Nor Hafizah
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine, from the agency perspective, the influence of internal audit and audit committee attributes, as well as risk management and internal control systems, on the implementation of risk-based auditing among public-listed companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was distributed to the in-house internal audit function in approximately 620 public-listed companies. Consequently, data from 117 heads of the internal audit function was collected and analyzed.

Findings

The findings indicate that “audit committee review and concern” and “risk management system” are significantly and positively related to the implementation of risk-based auditing. Most importantly, the results indicate the importance of audit committee inputs and concerns in reviewing internal audit activities. Empirically, the findings also suggest that a more formalized risk environment would foster the existence of a strong risk-aware culture and hence provides a strong foundation for internal audit to implement risk-based auditing. However, internal audit experience, size of internal audit function, audit committee qualifications, and internal control system are not found to be significant predictors of the presence of risk-based auditing.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined only risk-based auditing practices in the in-house internal audit function of public-listed companies; hence, the findings cannot be generalized to all Malaysian-listed companies that outsource or co-source their internal audit activities.

Social implications

An effective internal monitoring mechanism and better quality of internal audit work will minimize potential risks that prevent the achievement of company objectives, reduce propensity to falsify financial information, and improve financial reporting quality.

Originality/value

This study contributes evidence concerning the relationship between internal monitoring mechanisms and the implementation of risk-based auditing among in-house internal audit activity.
Situated learning in accountancy: an employer perspective
Authors: Stanley Trevor Albert
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the perspectives of employers who participated in a 100-hour, for credit, unpaid, work placement programme in accountancy.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method is used involving an interview-based, qualitative approach.

Findings

The study highlights the potential benefits and costs of the programme with strong themes applicable to the real-world accounting work environment and the interaction with people as essential elements of why students do a work placement; the importance of tasks in the student’s learning; the significance of relating theory to practice; the nature of the costs involved in providing the work placement; the mutual reciprocal benefits obtained by both students and employers involved in the work placement; and the importance of work placements in accounting education prior to graduation.

Practical implications

This study provides evidence about the nature and value of work placements in accounting from an employer’s perspective, and based on this research, other universities should be encouraged to implement an accountancy work placement programme.

Originality/value

Little research has been done on the employer perspectives of work placements in accountancy, and the exploratory case study of this intervention, based on sociocultural learning theory, provides an insight into their perceptions.
Current opinions on forensic accounting education
Authors: Kramer Bonita , Seda Michael , Bobashev Georgiy
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to determine current views of educators and practitioners regarding forensic accounting education, given the recent dramatic growth in the number of colleges and universities offering such education.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey, with statistical analysis of responses.

Findings

Results find that while both groups agree the demand for forensic accounting services will increase in the near future and that they prefer a separate course or degree be offered at the graduate and undergraduate levels, there are several significant differences between the educators’ and practitioners’ opinions on forensic accounting content and preferred teaching techniques. Practitioners consider topics outside traditional accounting as more important to include in forensic accounting education, and more highly value teaching techniques that add an experiential learning component.

Practical implications

Results can be useful to educators who have not considered offering forensic accounting courses or who wish to refine or update their existing forensic accounting education. Students seeking a career in forensic accounting can also use these results to facilitate their course choices to develop skills that employers value.

Social implications

These results find that practitioners value some nontraditional accounting skills, such as in forensic technology and interviewing, more highly than academics, which suggests accounting educators may need to develop interdisciplinary approaches to forensic accounting education.

Originality/value

As the number of institutions offering forensic accounting education has dramatically increased, current views of forensic accounting educators and practitioners are needed.
Learning commercial computerised accounting programmes
Authors: Yaftian Ali , Mirshekary Soheila , Mihret Dessalegn Getie
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Practical accountving skills such as the ability to use commercial computerised accounting programmes (CCAP) is increasingly becoming expected of accounting graduates. To understand the impact of CCAP on learning, this paper aims to examine students’ motivations for and perceptions about learning CCAP in two accounting subjects trialled in an Australian university.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of students who completed the course was conducted twice, before training and assessment using CCAP and after completing the CCAP-based learning activity and the associated assessment task.

Findings

The results show that students demonstrate strong positive attitudes towards learning CCAP, and using CCAP elicits active student engagement in the learning processes. The findings also show room for further enhancement of student engagement by integrating CCAP learning tasks with teamwork and developing CCAP-based learning and assessment tasks suitable for higher-order learning outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The survey respondents in this study are drawn from only one higher education institution in Australia and are predominantly an international cohort. This makes the conclusions of the study exploratory in nature and thus further studies are needed before generalising the conclusions.

Originality/value

By providing insights into student motivations to and perceptions about the use of CCAP in accounting curricula, the study sheds light on the potential of CCAP to enhance learning and aspects of consolidating the role of CCAP as a learning tool.
Improvement of dye affinity in natural dyeing usingTerminalia chebula retzius(T. chebula) applied to leather
Authors: Song Ji Eun , Kim Su Mi , Kim Hye Rim
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the dye affinity of natural dye ofTerminalia chebula retzius(T. chebula) using the dye substrate of leather.

Design/methodology/approach

The dyeing conditions such as temperature, concentration of dye, and time are controlled by measuring the dye affinity. The effect of enzymatic post-tanning process on dye affinity is evaluated by using different type of proteases such as flavourzyme, alcalase, and bromelain. The optimum conditions for enzymatic post-tanning process are evaluated depending on different pH, temperature, and concentration of enzyme.

Findings

The highest dye affinity was obtained at 50°C using a dye concentration of 200 percent (owf) for 30 min treatment by measuring ofK/Svalues of dyed leather. Distilled water was proved as a better extraction liquid to improve the dye affinity ofT. chebula. TheK/Svalues of dyed leather were enhanced after the enzymatic post-tanning process by flavourzyme. Moreover, the fastness properties against the rubbing and dry cleaning of the dyed leather were improved by the enzymatic post-tanning process.

Originality/value

In this paper, the enzymatic post-tanning process is introduced as the method to improve the dye affinity in natural dyeing usingTerminalia chebula retzius(T. chebula) applied to leather. The results of the study could be applied for further natural dyeing of leather using various natural dyes.
Understanding reflection for teacher change in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Wai Sing , Wong Jocelyn Lai Ngok
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how reflection affects the teacher change with a focus on teaching practices under education reforms in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted narratives as the research design to unveil the contents of teachers’ reflection and how the contents affect their change in teaching practices under education reforms.

Findings

The study finds that teachers’ reflection starts with completion of curriculum (“technical level”), then consideration of students’ learning needs (“practical level”) and finally, the social justice and equality (“critical level”). The levels of reflection teachers engage have significant influence on their change. The higher the level of reflection teachers have, the more motivated the teachers to explore new teaching practices not only for the learning needs of students in classroom but also for the society outside classroom.

Originality/value

This study underlines the value of reflection in the process of teacher change in their teaching practices.
International students’ college choice is different!
Authors: Alfattal Eyad
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the needs and aspirations of international students studying at a comprehensive university campus in the USA in comparison to domestic students represented by factors that drive students’ college choice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study opted for a survey design through questionnaire and employed descriptive and inferential statistics to assess differences between international and domestic students.

Findings

Findings suggest that international students are different from domestic students on seven choice factors: on-campus housing, recommendation from family, academic reputation, reputation of faculty, participation in intercollegiate sports, printed material or video and need-based financial aid.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted at a four-year comprehensive public university campus in California. Findings and conclusions may be relevant only to such context.

Practical implications

International and domestic students have different preferences and their college choices are affected to different degrees by the varying choice factors. Education administrators and policy makers can have targeted strategic marketing plans that are responsive to the different types populations’ needs.

Originality/value

This is the first study that compares international students’ to domestic students’ needs and aspirations when choosing a university campus.