bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and radiological outcomes following isolated vertical medial meniscal tear repair in patients over 40 years old
Authors: Buyukkuscu Mehmet Ozbey , Misir Abdulhamit , Hamrayev Arif Jan , Ozcafer Rasit , Cetinkaya Engin
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes with degenerative changes in patients over 40 years old following isolated vertical medial meniscal tear repair.

Methods:

Between 2007 and 2015, 438 patients underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair. Thirty-three patients aged over 40 years with isolated vertical medial meniscal repair (23 males and 10 females, mean age 46.1 ± 7.0; range 40–67) were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative physical examination findings, Lysholm knee score, the International Knee Documentation Committee score, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and Kellgren–Lawrence osteoarthritis stage were evaluated.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 31.1 months ± 20.1 (range 12–100 months). There was statistically significant improvement in functional scores ( p < 0.05) and physical examination findings. In 22 patients (66.7%), improvement in the clinical and radiological results was detected ( p < 0.05). However, no correlation was found between clinical and radiological outcomes. There was also no significant change in osteoarthritis stages at the last follow-up visit. No significant difference was found between smokers and nonsmokers regarding clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:

Successful clinical and radiological outcomes can be obtained following isolated vertical medial meniscal tear repair in patients older than 40 years. Age is not the sole criterion for the success of meniscal repair; rather, the functional capacity of the patient, the location of the tear, the grade of knee joint arthritis, and the quality of the meniscal tissue should be taken into consideration.
Outcomes After Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Medium to Large Chondral Defects of the Knee
Authors: Thomas Dimitri , Shaw K. Aaron , Waterman Brian R.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Articular cartilage defects of the knee can significantly impair function among young, high-demand patients. There are several techniques for chondral restoration, including osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA), that may alleviate pain and re-create the native anatomy. However, clinical outcomes among athletic cohorts are limited.

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and functional outcomes of OCA for medium to large osteochondral defects of the knee in physically active United States military servicemembers.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A military health care database was queried to identify all OCA procedures performed between January 2009 and March 2013. Inclusion criteria were army personnel with a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up. Exclusion criteria included incomplete follow-up, inaccurate coding, and nonmilitary status. Variables of interest included sex, age, lesion location, grade and size of the lesion, body mass index, tobacco use, preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, and presence of perioperative complications. Overall failure was defined as the inability to return to preoperative functional activities because of persistent knee complaints (clinical failure) or a revision cartilage procedure or arthroplasty (surgical failure).

Results:

A total of 61 patients (52 male; mean age, 31.7 years) were identified, with a mean 46.2-month follow-up. The mean VAS pain score improved from 4.10 ± 2.17 preoperatively to 2.68 ± 2.73 postoperatively ( P < .0009), and only 6 (9.8%) required a subsequent revision chondral procedure. Overall, 39 patients (63.9%) were able to return to a level of activity that allowed for the completion of military duties. Risk factors for clinical failure were preoperative body mass index, preoperative pain as measured on the VAS, and moderate to severe postoperative pain on the VAS. The risk factor for surgical failure was the presence of a complication. Risk factors for overall failure were the presence of a complication and moderate to severe postoperative pain on the VAS.

Conclusion:

OCA provided moderate success in retaining active-duty army servicemembers. Approximately two-thirds of patients undergoing OCA were able to return to their preinjury occupational activity, while approximately 57% of patients returned to prior levels without a subsequent revision chondral procedure or arthroplasty.
Interposition Arthroplasty for Posttraumatic Ulnohumeral Arthritis
Authors: Blaine Theodore A , Wiseman Stephen P , Kovacevic David , Morrey Bernard F
Published: March 2019

Posttraumatic elbow arthritis presents a difficult problem in young patients. Total elbow arthroplasty may not be suited to the functional demands placed on the prosthesis in younger, more active individuals. Interposition arthroplasty is a useful nonprosthetic alternative in these patients. Various biologic materials have been employed as an interpositional graft, with Achilles tendon allograft being the preferred material. Successful outcomes have been reported in 26% to 94% cases, with the best results in patients with posttraumatic arthritis with stiffness and no underlying instability. Poor prognostic factors associated with this procedure include malalignment and pre- and postoperative instability. Use of a hinged-distraction device to allow immediate postoperative range of motion while protecting the graft may further improve results. In those patients where postoperative instability occurs or where results deteriorate with time, stability and pain relief can be salvaged by conversion to a semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty.
The Incidence of Retinal Breaks Induced by Posterior Hyaloid Separation During 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Rahman Rubina , Patil Ajay , Stephenson John
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

As advances are made in smaller-gauge vitrectomy, it is important to characterize the associated risks. This allows the surgeon to anticipate complications and appropriately counsel patients. The incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks in 25- and 23-gauge (G) vitrectomy is known, but no studies exist looking at the incidence in 27G vitrectomy with an attached posterior hyaloid face (PHF). This study set out to characterize the incidence.

Methods:

A retrospective, consecutive, observational study of patients undergoing 27G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for macular pathology or floaters was conducted. This was a single-surgeon series conducted between 2015 and 2017 at Calderdale Royal Hospital, United Kingdom. Inclusion criteria included only those with an attached PHF at the disc, identified intraoperatively.

Results:

Data were collected and analyzed in 94 patients. Preoperative diagnosis frequency was as follows: epiretinal membrane 24 (25.5%), macular hole 47 (50.0%), vitreomacular traction 11 (11.7%), and floaters 12 (12.8%). In 82 out of 94 patients (89.1%), 27G vitrectomy was combined with 2.2 mm microincisional phacoemulsification with lens implantation. The incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks associated with PHF separation during 27G PPV was 17% (16 cases).

Conclusions:

This is the first study to report the incidence of peripheral retinal breaks induced by PHF separation during 27G vitrectomy. Our single-surgeon case series of 27G PPV for all elective vitreoretinal indications, in eyes with attached vitreous, yielded an iatrogenic break rate of 17%. However, no postoperative retinal detachments followed. Statistical analysis revealed no specific risk factors to be significantly associated with outcome (incidence of retinal tear).
Plerixafor alone for the mobilization and transplantation of HLA-matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Chen Yi-Bin , Le-Rademacher Jennifer , Brazauskas Ruta , Kiefer Deidre M. , Hamadani Mehdi , DiPersio John F. , Litzow Mark R. , Craig Michael , Horwitz Mitchell E. , Artz Andrew S. , McClune Brian L. , Fernandez Hugo F. , Duong Hien Kim , Kobusingye Hati , Proue Mandi , Drexler Rebecca J. , Horowitz Mary M. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Miller John P. , Hosoba Sakura , Waller Edmund K. , Devine Steven M.
Published: March 2019

Plerixafor, a direct antagonist of CXCR4/stromal-derived factor 1, can safely and rapidly mobilize allografts without the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). We conducted a phase 2, multicenter, prospective study of plerixafor-mobilized HLA-identical sibling allografts for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in recipients with hematological malignancies. Donors (n = 64) were treated with subcutaneous plerixafor (240 µg/kg) and started leukapheresis (LP) 4 hours later. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of donors who were successfully mobilized: defined as collection of ≥2.0 × 106 CD34+ cells per kilogram recipient weight in ≤2 LP sessions. Recipients subsequently received reduced intensity (RIC; n = 33) or myeloablative (MAC; n = 30) conditioning. Sixty-three of 64 (98%) donors achieved the primary objective. The median CD34+ cell dose per kilogram recipient weight collected within 2 days was 4.7 (0.9-9.6). Plerixafor was well tolerated with only grade 1 or 2 drug-related adverse events noted. Bone pain was not observed. Plerixafor-mobilized grafts engrafted promptly. One-year progression-free and overall survivals were 53% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36% to 71%) and 63% (95% CI, 46% to 79%) for MAC and 64% (95% CI, 47% to 79%) and 70% (95% CI, 53% to 84%) for RIC recipients, respectively. Donor toxicity was reduced relative to G-CSF mobilized related donors. This is the first multicenter trial to demonstrate that, as an alternative to G-CSF, plerixafor rapidly and safely mobilizes sufficient numbers of CD34+ cells from matched sibling donors for HCT. Engraftment was prompt, and outcomes in recipients were encouraging. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01696461.
A multiscale approach to full-waveform inversion using a sequence of time-domain misfit functions
Authors: Dantas Renato R. S. , Medeiros Walter E. , Costa Jessé C.
Published: March 2019

Most of the approaches designed to avoid cycle skipping in full-waveform inversion (FWI) involve calculating a sequence of inversions in a multiscale fashion. We have adopted an alternative strategy, which is inverting a sequence of different misfit functions in the time domain. This is an implicit multiscale approach in the sense that the used misfit functions are sensitive to different wavelengths, but all of the inversion steps use the same modeling algorithm and the same model grid. In the first and third inversion steps, the transmitted (early arrivals) and reflected (late arrivals) components of the wavefield envelopes are respectively fitted. The second step promotes a smooth transition between the first and third steps, by using the envelope of the complete waveform. Because fitting just the envelope of the reflected waves has a minor effect on the misfit function of the whole data set, the phases of the reflected waves are mostly fitted in the fourth step, which is based on the waveform misfit function preserving only the late arrivals. The third and fourth steps are of crucial importance to fit the reflected events. We test the sequential inversion approach with the Marmousi model using data sets with different frequencies, obtaining better estimates of the velocity field than those obtained with the classic FWI. The solutions obtained with classic FWI and sequential inversion approach degrade with a progressively higher peak frequency data set, but the classic FWI solution degrades more rapidly.
Effect of Sevoflurane Versus Isoflurane on Emergence Time and Postanesthesia Care Unit Length of Stay: An Alternating Intervention Trial
Authors: Maheshwari Kamal , Ahuja Sanchit , Mascha Edward J. , Cummings Kenneth C. , Chahar Praveen , Elsharkawy Hesham , Kurz Andrea , Turan Alparslan , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND:

We previously reported that the duration of hospitalization was not different between isoflurane and sevoflurane. But more plausible consequences of using soluble volatile anesthetics are delayed emergence from anesthesia and prolonged stays in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). We therefore compared isoflurane and sevoflurane on emergence time and PACU duration.

METHODS:

We reanalyzed data from 1498 adults who participated in a previous alternating intervention trial comparing isoflurane and sevoflurane. Patients, mostly having colorectal surgery, were assigned to either volatile anesthetic in 2-week blocks that alternated for half a year. Emergence time was defined as the time from minimum alveolar concentration fraction reaching 0.3 at the end of the procedure until patients left the operating room. PACU duration was defined from admission to the end of phase 1 recovery. Treatment effect was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusted for imbalanced baseline variables.

RESULTS:

A total of 674 patients were given isoflurane, and 824 sevoflurane. Emergence time was slightly longer for isoflurane with a median (quartiles) of 16 minutes (12–22 minutes) vs 14 minutes (11–19 minutes) for sevoflurane, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.81 (97.5% CI, 0.71–0.92;P< .001). Duration in the PACU did not differ, with a median (quartiles) of 2.6 hours (2.0–3.6 hours) for isoflurane and 2.6 hours (2.0–3.7 hours) hours for sevoflurane. The adjusted hazard ratio for PACU discharge time was 1.04 (97.5% CI, 0.91–1.18;P= .56).

CONCLUSIONS:

Isoflurane prolonged emergence by only 2 minutes, which is not a clinically important amount, and did not prolong length of stay in the PACU. The more soluble and much less-expensive anesthetic isoflurane thus seems to be a reasonable alternative to sevoflurane.
Prolonged Duration Local Anesthesia by Combined Delivery of Capsaicin- and Tetrodotoxin-Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Shomorony Andre , Santamaria Claudia M. , Zhao Chao , Rwei Alina Y. , Mehta Manisha , Zurakowski David , Kohane Daniel S.
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND:

Capsaicin, the active component of chili peppers, can produce sensory-selective peripheral nerve blockade. Coadministration of capsaicin and tetrodotoxin, a site-1 sodium channel blocker, can achieve a synergistic effect on duration of nerve blocks. However, capsaicin can be neurotoxic, and tetrodotoxin can cause systemic toxicity. We evaluated whether codelivery of capsaicin and tetrodotoxin liposomes can achieve prolonged local anesthesia without local or systemic toxicity.

METHODS:

Capsaicin- and tetrodotoxin-loaded liposomes were developed. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected at the sciatic nerve with free capsaicin, capsaicin liposomes, free tetrodotoxin, tetrodotoxin liposomes, and blank liposomes, singly or in combination. Sensory and motor nerve blocks were assessed by a modified hotplate test and a weight-bearing test, respectively. Local toxicity was assessed by histologic scoring of tissues at the injection sites and transmission electron microscopic examination of the sciatic nerves. Systemic toxicity was assessed by rates of contralateral nerve deficits and/or mortality.

RESULTS:

The combination of capsaicin liposomes and tetrodotoxin liposomes achieved a mean duration of sensory block of 18.2 hours (3.8 hours) [mean (SD)], far longer than that from capsaicin liposomes [0.4 hours (0.5 hours)] (P < .001) or tetrodotoxin liposomes [0.4 hours (0.7 hours)] (P < .001) given separately with or without the second drug in free solution. This combination caused minimal myotoxicity and muscle inflammation, and there were no changes in the percentage or diameter of unmyelinated axons. There was no systemic toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The combination of encapsulated tetrodotoxin and capsaicin achieved marked prolongation of nerve block. This combination did not cause detectable local or systemic toxicity. Capsaicin may be useful for its synergistic effects on other formulations even when used in very small, safe quantities.
Prostaglandin E2 promotes embryonic vascular development and maturation in zebrafish
Authors: Ugwuagbo Kingsley Chukwunonso , Maiti Sujit , Omar Ahmed , Hunter Stephanie , Nault Braydon , Northam Caleb , Majumder Mousumi
Published: March 2019

Prostaglandin (PG)-E2 is essential for growth and development of vertebrates. PGE2 binds to G-coupled receptors to regulate embryonic stem cells differentiation and maintains tissue homeostasis. Overproduction of PGE2 by breast tumor cells promotes aggressive breast cancer phenotypes and tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. In this study, we investigated novel roles of PGE2 in early embryonic vascular development and maturation with microinjection of PGE2 in fertilized zebrafish (Danio rerio) eggs. We injected Texas red-dextran to trace vascular development. Embryos injected with the solvent of PGE2 served as vehicle. Distinct developmental changes were noted from 28-96 hours post fertilization (hpf), showing an increase in embryonic tail-flicks, pigmentation, growth, hatching, and larval movement post-hatching in the PGE2-injected group compared to the vehicle. We recorded a significant increase in trunk vascular fluorescence and maturation of vascular anatomy; embryo heartbeat and blood vessel formation in the PGE2 injected group. At 96hpf, all larvae were sacrificed to measure vascular marker mRNA expression. We observed a significant increase in the expression of stem cell markers efnb2a, ephb4a; angiogenesis markers vegfa, kdrl, etv2 and lymphangiogenesis marker prox1 in the PGE2-group compared to the vehicle. This study shows the novel roles of PGE2 in promoting embryonic vascular maturation and angiogenesis in zebrafish.
Lineage context switches the function of aC. elegansPax6 homolog in determining a neuronal fate
Authors: Brandt Julia P. , Rossillo Mary , Zhuo Du , Ichikawa David , Barnes Kristopher , Chen Allison , Noyes Marcus , Bao Zhirong , Ringstad Niels
Published: March 2019

The sensory nervous system of C. elegans comprises cells with varied molecular and functional characteristics and is, therefore, a powerful model for understanding mechanisms that generate neuronal diversity. We report here that VAB-3, a C. elegans homolog of the homeodomain-containing protein Pax6, has opposing functions in regulating expression of a specific chemosensory fate. A homeodomain-only short isoform of VAB-3 is expressed in BAG chemosensory neurons, where it promotes gene expression and cell function. In other cells, a long isoform of VAB-3 comprised of a Paired homology domain and a homeodomain represses expression of ETS-5, a transcription factor required for expression of BAG fate. Repression of ets-5 requires the Eyes Absent homolog EYA-1 and the Six-class homeodomain protein CEH-32. We determined sequences that mediate high-affinity binding of ETS-5, VAB-3, and CEH-32. The ets-5 locus is enriched for ETS-5-binding sites but lacks sequences that bind VAB-3 and CEH-32, suggesting that these factors do not directly repress ets-5 expression. We propose that a promoter-selection system together with lineage-specific expression of accessory factors allows VAB-3/Pax6 to either promote or repress expression of specific cell fates in a context-dependent manner.
A high-content imaging approach to profile C. elegans embryonic development
Authors: Wang Shaohe , Ochoa Stacy D. , Khaliullin Renat N. , Gerson-Gurwitz Adina , Hendel Jeffrey M. , Zhao Zhiling , Biggs Ronald , Chisholm Andrew D. , Desai Arshad , Oegema Karen , Green Rebecca A.
Published: March 2019

The Caenorhabditis elegans embryo is an important model for analyzing mechanisms of cell fate specification and tissue morphogenesis. Sophisticated lineage-tracing approaches for analyzing embryogenesis have been developed but are labor intensive and do not naturally integrate morphogenetic readouts. To enable the rapid classification of developmental phenotypes, we developed a high-content method that employs two custom strains: a Germ Layer strain that expresses nuclear markers in the ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm/pharynx; and a Morphogenesis strain that expresses markers labeling epidermal cell junctions and the neuronal cell surface. We describe a procedure that allows simultaneous live imaging of development in 80-100 embryos and provide a custom program that generates cropped, oriented image stacks of individual embryos to facilitate analysis. We demonstrate the utility of our method by perturbing 40 previously characterized developmental genes in variants of the two strains containing RNAi-sensitizing mutations. The resulting datasets yielded distinct, reproducible signature phenotypes for a broad spectrum of genes that are involved in cell fate specification and morphogenesis. In addition, our analysis provides new in vivo evidence for MBK-2 function in mesoderm fate specification and LET-381 function in elongation.
Single cell analysis of adult mouse skeletal muscle stem cells in homeostatic and regenerative conditions
Authors: Dell'Orso Stefania , Juan Aster H. , Ko Kyung-Dae , Naz Faiza , Perovanovic Jelena , Gutierrez-Cruz Gustavo , Feng Xuesong , Sartorelli Vittorio
Published: March 2019

Dedicated stem cells ensure postnatal growth, repair and homeostasis of skeletal muscle. Following injury, muscle stem cells (MuSCs) exit from quiescence and divide to reconstitute the stem cell pool and give rise to muscle progenitors. The transcriptomes of pooled MuSCs have provided a rich source of information for describing the genetic programs of distinct static cell states; however, bulk microarray and RNA sequencing provide only averaged gene expression profiles, blurring the heterogeneity and developmental dynamics of asynchronous MuSC populations. Instead, the granularity required to identify distinct cell types, states, and their dynamics can be afforded by single cell analysis. We were able to compare the transcriptomes of thousands of MuSCs and primary myoblasts isolated from homeostatic or regenerating muscles by single cell RNA sequencing. Using computational approaches, we could reconstruct dynamic trajectories and place, in a pseudotemporal manner, the transcriptomes of individual MuSC within these trajectories. This approach allowed for the identification of distinct clusters of MuSCs and primary myoblasts with partially overlapping but distinct transcriptional signatures, as well as the description of metabolic pathways associated with defined MuSC states.
β1D integrin splice variant stabilizes integrin dynamics and reduces integrin signaling by limiting paxillin recruitment
Authors: Soto-Ribeiro Martinho , Kastberger Birgit , Bachmann Michael , Azizi Latifeh , Fouad Kenza , Jacquier Marie-Claude , Boettiger David , Bouvard Daniel , Bastmeyer Martin , Hytönen Vesa P. , Wehrle-Haller Bernhard
Published: March 2019

Heterodimeric integrin receptors control cell adhesion, migration and extracellular matrix assembly. While the α integrin subunit determines extracellular ligand specificity, the β integrin chain binds to an acidic residue of the ligand, and cytoplasmic adapter protein families such as talins, kindlins and paxillin, to form mechanosensing cell matrix adhesions. Alternative splicing of the β1 integrin cytoplasmic tail creates ubiquitously expressed β1A, and the heart and skeletal muscle-specific β1D form. To study the physiological difference between these forms, we developed fluorescent β1 integrins and analyzed their dynamics, localization, and cytoplasmic adapter recruitment and effects on cell proliferation. On fibronectin, GFP-tagged β1A integrin showed dynamic exchange in peripheral focal adhesions, and long, central fibrillar adhesions. In contrast, GFP–β1D integrins exchanged slowly, forming immobile and short central adhesions. While adhesion recruitment of GFP–β1A integrin was sensitive to C-terminal tail mutagenesis, GFP–β1D integrin was recruited independently of the distal NPXY motif. In addition, a P786A mutation in the proximal, talin-binding NPXY783 motif switched β1D to a highly dynamic integrin. In contrast, the inverse A786P mutation in β1A integrin interfered with paxillin recruitment and proliferation. Thus, differential β1 integrin splicing controls integrin-dependent adhesion signaling, to adapt to the specific physiological needs of differentiated muscle cells.
Genome-wide identification of alternative splicing events that regulate protein transport across the secretory pathway
Authors: Neumann Alexander , Schindler Magdalena , Olofsson Didrik , Wilhelmi Ilka , Schürmann Annette , Heyd Florian
Published: March 2019

Alternative splicing (AS) strongly increases proteome diversity and functionality in eukaryotic cells. Protein secretion is a tightly controlled process, especially when it occurs in a tissue-specific and differentiation-dependent manner. While previous work has focussed on transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms, the impact of AS on the secretory pathway remains largely unexplored. Here, we integrate results from a published screen for modulators of protein transport and RNA-Seq analyses to identify over 200 AS events as secretion regulators. We confirm that splicing events along all stages of the secretory pathway regulate the efficiency of membrane trafficking using morpholino and CRISPR/Cas9 experiments. We furthermore show that these events are highly tissue-specific and mediate an adaptation of the secretory pathway during T-cell activation and adipocyte differentiation. Our data substantially advance the understanding of AS functionality, add a new regulatory layer to a fundamental cell biological process and provide a resource of alternative isoforms that control the secretory pathway.
Work loop dynamics of the pigeon (Columba livia) humerotriceps demonstrate potentially diverse roles for active wing morphing
Authors: Theriault Jolan S. , Bahlman Joseph W. , Shadwick Robert E. , Altshuler Douglas L.
Published: March 2019

Control of wing shape is believed to be a key feature that allows most birds to produce aerodynamically efficient flight behaviours and high maneuverability. Anatomical organization of intrinsic wing muscles suggests specific roles for the different motor elements in wing shape modulation, but testing these hypothesized functions requires challenging measurements of muscle activation and strain patterns, and force dynamics. The wing muscles that have been best characterized during flight are the elbow muscles of the pigeon (Columba livia). In vivo studies during different flight modes revealed variation in strain profile, activation timing and duration, and contractile cycle frequency of the humerotriceps, suggesting that this muscle may alter wing shape in diverse ways. To examine the multifunction potential of the humerotriceps, we developed an in situ work loop approach to measure how activation duration and contractile cycle frequency affected muscle work and power across the full range of activation onset times. The humerotriceps produced predominantly net negative power, likely due to relatively long stimulus durations, indicating that it absorbs work, but the work loop shapes also suggest varying degrees of elastic energy storage and release. The humerotriceps consistently exhibited positive and negative instantaneous power within a single contractile cycle, across all treatments. When combined with previous in vivo studies, our results indicate that both within and across contractile cycles, the humerotriceps can dynamically shift among roles of actuator, brake, and stiff or compliant spring, based on activation properties that vary with flight mode.
Typing complex meningococcal vaccines to understand diversity and population structure of key vaccine antigens
Authors: Rodrigues Charlene M. C. , Chan Hannah , Vipond Caroline , Jolley Keith , Harrison Odile B. , Wheeler Jun , Whiting Gail , Feavers Ian M. , Maiden Martin C. J.
Published: March 2019

Background:Protein-conjugate capsular polysaccharide vaccines can potentially control invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by five (A, C, W, X, Y) of the six IMD-associated serogroups.  Concerns raised by immunological similarity of the serogroup B capsule to human neural cell carbohydrates, meant that ‘serogroup B substitute’ vaccines target more variable subcapsular protein antigens.  A successful approach using outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as major vaccine components had limited strain coverage. In 4CMenB (Bexsero®), recombinant proteins have been added to ameliorate this problem. 

Methods: Scalable, portable, genomic techniques were used to investigate the Bexsero®OMV protein diversity in meningococcal populations. Shotgun proteomics identified 461 proteins in the OMV, defining a complex proteome. Amino acid sequences for the 24 proteins most likely to be involved in cross-protective immune responses were catalogued within thePubMLST.org/neisseriadatabase using a novel OMV peptide Typing (OMVT) scheme.

Results:Among these proteins there was variation in the extent of diversity and association with meningococcal lineages, identified as clonal complexes (ccs), ranging from the most conserved peptides (FbpA, NEISp0578, and putative periplasmic protein, NEISp1063) to the most diverse (TbpA, NEISp1690).  There were 1752 unique OMVTs identified amongst 2492/3506 isolates examined by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). These OMVTs were grouped into clusters (sharing ≥18 identical OMVT peptides), with 45.3% of isolates assigned to one of 27 OMVT clusters. OMVTs and OMVT clusters were strongly associated with cc, genogroup, and Bexsero®antigen variants, demonstrating that combinations of OMV proteins exist in discrete, non-overlapping combinations associated with genogroup and Bexsero®Antigen Sequence Type. This highly structured population of IMD-associated meningococci is consistent with strain structure models invoking host immune and/or metabolic selection.

Conclusions:The OMVT scheme facilitates region-specific WGS investigation of meningococcal diversity and is an open-access, portable tool with applications for vaccine development, especially in the choice of antigen combinations, assessment and implementation.
Exploring the impact of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-based metabolic resistance to insecticide on vector competence of Anopheles funestus for Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Ndo Cyrille , Kopya Edmond , Irving Helen , Wondji Charles
Published: March 2019

Background:Malaria control heavily relies on insecticide-based interventions against mosquito vectors. However, the increasing spread of insecticide resistance is a major threat. The extent to which such resistance, notably metabolic resistance, interferes with the development of thePlasmodiumparasite and its impact on overall malaria transmission remains poorly characterized. Here, we investigated whether glutathione S-transferase-based resistance could influencePlasmodium falciparumdevelopment inAnopheles funestus.

Methods:Anopheles funestusfemales were infected withP. falciparumgametocytes and midguts were dissected at day 7 post infection for detection/quantification of oocysts. Infection parameters were compared between individual with different L119F-GSTe2 genotypes, and the polymorphism of the GSTe2 gene was analyzed in infected and uninfected mosquito groups.

Results:Overall, 403 mosquitoes were dissected and genotyped. The frequency of the L119F-GSTe2 resistance allele was significantly higher in non-infected (55.88%) compared to infected (40.99%) mosquitoes (Fisher's exact test, P<0.0001). Prevalence of infection was significantly higher in heterozygous and homozygous susceptible genotypes (P<0.001). However, homozygous resistant and heterozygous mosquitoes exhibited significantly higher infection intensity (P<0.01). No association was observed between the GSTe2 polymorphism and the infection status of mosquitoes.

Conclusion:Altogether, these results suggest that GSTe2-based metabolic resistance may affect the vectorial competence of resistantAn. funestusmosquitoes toP. falciparuminfection, by increasing its permissiveness toPlasmodiuminfection.
Journal Scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: March 2019

Nikki Welyczko, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes: a close and developing relationship
Authors: Mayo Paula
Published: March 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes are both common conditions in the developed world, and they both have abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in common. Each on its own can have significant implications for individuals' health and healthcare providers, but when they present together these health-related issues are magnified considerably. This article considers the links between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. It opens with an introduction into each of the conditions and the relevant risk factors. A detailed discussion on the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and its association with both of the conditions follows which highlights the associations between NAFLD, type 2 diabetes and life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Different management strategies for both NAFLD and type 2 diabetes are offered. Suggestions for future practice are included which ensure early identification of each condition singularly and conjointly and a multidisciplinary, specialist approach to care being advocated to improve the clinical outcomes of these patients.
Relationships and health education
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: March 2019

After a three-month consultation, the DfE has published its revised statutory guidance for relationships and health education and has pledged a £6m support fund ahead of September 2020. Pete Henshaw explains
Some wellbeing ideas
Authors: Knight Shahana
Published: March 2019

Continuing her series on creating therapeutic school environments, Shahana Knight offers three ideas for encouraging wellbeing skills and healthy mindsets
Brexit: What you need to know
Authors: Rowley Imogen
Published: March 2019

Brexit is upon us! Ahead of our EU exit, Imogen Rowley looks at the issues and considerations that schools need to be aware of
Preparing your EAL learners
Authors: Owen Deborah
Published: March 2019

Formal examinations can present a range of specific challenges for pupils with English as an additional language. Deborah Owen offers some strategies, both to help pupils prepare and for them to use on the day
Infectious bronchitis virus from chickens in Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia 2015-2016
Authors: Alsultan Musaed Abdulaziz , Alhammadi Mohamed Ali , Hemida Maged Gomaa
Published: March 2019

Aim: This study aimed to isolate some of the currently circulating infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains from some broiler chicken farms in Al-Hasa and to do some molecular characteristics of these strains. Materials and Methods: We collected 300 tissue specimens, including the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and kidneys from some four commercial chicken farms showing respiratory manifestations. We tested these tissue specimens by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and gel-based PCR. We selected some PCR positive samples for isolation in the embryonated chicken eggs (ECE). We sequenced some PCR-positive samples and conducted phylogenetic analysis based on the obtained sequences. Results: Our molecular surveillance revealed that 31.6% of the tested specimens were IBV positive by PCR. We selected some positive specimens showing low Ct values by the qRT-PCR for virus isolation by the ECE. The infected eggs showed hemorrhage, dwarfing, and death in some cases after three passages in the ECE. We sequenced some of the positive PCR specimens and used the obtained sequences to draw the phylogenetic tree based on the partial IBV-ORF-1a, N, and S1 gene sequences. The phylogenetic trees based on the IBV-N and S1 gene sequences showed that the circulating IBV strains in Al-Hasa during 2016 was showing a high degree of identity to some strains from Taiwan and Italy. Meanwhile, the grouping of these strains based on the IBV-S1 sequences revealed that the currently circulating IBV strains in Al-Hasa belonged to Gr.I.7 along with strains from Taiwan. Conclusion: Our results confirmed the continuous circulation of the IBV among the chicken population in Al-Hasa despite the intensive application of vaccines against this virus.
GLOBAL EVOLUTION AND PALEOGEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF
MID - CRETACEOUS ORBITOLINIDS
Authors: Boudagher-Fadel Marcelle , Price G. David
Published: March 2019

Members of the Larger Benthic Foraminiferal (LBF) family Orbitolinidae occured from the Cretaceous to the Paleogene, however, they were most diverse during the mid-Cretaceous, and dominated the agglutinated LBF assemblages described from limestones of that period. Various orbitolinid species have been used to zone and date lithologies formed in the shallow, warm waters of the Aptian to the Early Cenomanian, and many, sometimes inaccurate, generic and sub-generic nomenclatures have been proposed to differentiate the often subtle morphological changes that orbitolinids exhibit over time. Until now, it has not been possible to develop an effective global overview of their evolution and environmental development because descriptions of specimens from Asia have been relatively rare. Following our recent study of over 1800 orbitolinid-rich thin sections of material from 13 outcrops of the Langshan Limestone, from the Southern Tibetan Plateau, and from the Barito Basin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, it has been possible to compare the stratigraphic ranges of these orbitolinids with previously described Tethyan and American forms, based on the use of a planktonic zonal (PZ) scheme, itself tied to the most recent chronostratigraphic scale. This has allowed the reconstruction of the phylogenetic and paleogeographic evolution of the orbitolinids from their Valanginian origin in the Tethys. Although Tethys remained the paleogeographic focus for the orbitolinids, it is inferred here for the first time that a bi-directional paleogeographic migration of some orbitolinid genera occurred from Tethys to the Americas and also to the Western Pacific region. Our observations and dating confirm that global marine regressions in the Aptian were coincident with, and may well have facilitated, these orbitolinid transoceanic migrations. However, migration stopped after rising sea-level in the Early Albian appears to have again isolated these provinces from each other. Tectonic forces associated with the subduction of the Farallon Plate and further sea-level raises led to the opening of the Western Interior Seaway in the North America, which correlates with, and may have been the cause of, the Middle Albian (top of PZ Albian 2) extinction of the American orbitolinids. The extinction of the orbitolinids revealed that the Western Pacific province was split into two sub-provinces, with extinction occurring at the end of the Early Albian (top of PZ Albian 1) in the Northwest Pacific sub-province, and at the end of the Albian (top of PZ Albian 4) in the sub-province that is today South East Asia (on the margins and west of the Wallace Line). The final virtual extinction of the orbitolinids occurred at the end of the Cenomanian in the Tethyan province, which coincides with, and may have been caused by, global anoxic oceanic events that correlate with a near-peak Mesozoic eustatic sea-level high-stand that led to the overall global collapse of the paleotropical reef ecosystem at that time.
Beliefs and practices of social studies teachers on inclusion
Authors: Çopur Ahmet
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study is to demonstrate the reflections of social studies teachers' beliefs regarding inclusion and their students in in-class practices. The survey, conducted by the case study method, was performed with three Social Studies teachers. Observation and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection techniques. Data obtained from observations and interviews were analysed by content analysis. In the study, it has been found that teachers have the belief that academic objectives should be pursued during inclusive practice, in accordance with the modern philosophy of inclusion. In addition, teachers have the perception that the inclusion students can learn every subject up to a certain level. It was identified that teachers cannot turn these beliefs into practice, and inclusion students are "neglected". It was concluded that this gap between belief and practice is caused by factors such as inadequate pedagogical content knowledge, inability to comprehend the philosophy of inclusion, the gap between the theoretical education and practice, and inadequate education resources at school. Depending on the obtained results, suggestions were made towards increasing teachers' self-efficacy on inclusive practice, establishing a direct connection between education faculties and schools, and ensuring coordination between the stakeholders.
ANALISIS KINERJA BEA CUKAI INDONESIA YANG DIPENGARUHI OLEH BUDAYA ORGANISASI, PARTISIPASI STAKEHOLDER, TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI, DAN TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Dharmawan Aditya , Raharjo Susilo Toto , Kusumawardhani Amie
Published: March 2019

Peningkatan kinerja organisasi publik, khususnya Bea dan Cukai (Direktorat Jederal Bea dan Cukai) di Indonesia dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor.Penelitian dilakukan dengan menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kinerja organisasi, yaitu variabel budaya organisasi, variabel partisipasi stakeholder, variabel teknologi informasi dan variabel transfer of knowledge serta menggunakan ukuran organisasi sebagai variabel kontrol.Berangkat dari permasalahan penelitian, yaitu bagaimana meningkatkan kinerja organisasi pada instansi Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai dengan memperhatikan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kinerja organisasi tersebut.Sampel penelitian berjumlah 107 responden dengan tingkat respon 100%.Responden pada penelitian ini adalah pegawai DJBC yang berasal dari Kantor Pengawasan dan Pelayanan Bea dan Cukai(KPPBC) dan Kantor Pelayanan Utama (KPU) Bea dan Cukai se-Indonesia dan dianggap mewakili unit kerjanya masing-masing.Alat yang digunakan untuk menganalisis adalah Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) pada program software AMOS 24.Hasil pengolahan data menggunakan SEM untuk model teoritis telah memenuhi goodness of fit, dengan nilai Chi Square = 195.916(tanpa variabel control)/213.185(dengan variabel control), CMIN/DF = 1.037(tanpa variabel control)/1.035(dengan variabel control), Probability= 0.350(tanpa variabel control)/0.351(dengan variabel control), GFI = 0.863(tanpa variabel control)/0.860(dengan variabel control), AGFI = 0.817(tanpa variabel control)/0.813(dengan variabel control), TLI = 0.994(tanpa variabel control)/0.993(dengan variabel control), CFI = 0.995(tanpa variabel control)/0.995(dengan variabel control), RMSEA = 0.019(tanpa variabel control)/0.018(dengan variabel control). Dari empat hipotesis yang diuji, semua hipotesis dinyatakan diterima. Transfer of knowledge, teknologi informasi, dan partisipasi stakeholder berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja organisasi pada α=5%, sementara budaya organisasi berpengaruh terhadap kinerja organisasi dengan signifikansi α=10%. Selain itu, ukuran organisasi sebagai variabel kontrol juga berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja organisasi.
THE EFFECT OF ASSET STRUCTURE, PROFITABILITY, COMPANY SIZE, AND COMPANY GROWTH ON CAPITAL STRUCTURE (The Study of Manufacturing Companies Listed on the IDX for the Period 2013 - 2017)
Authors: Ariyani Hilma Faza , Pangestuti Irene Rini Demi , Raharjo Susilo Toto
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine and examine the effect of asset structure, profitability, firm size and company growth on the capital structure of manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2013 – 2017. The sampling method used was purposive sampling that was 52 companies in the criteria. Data obtained from the Financial Reports and Performance Reports published in the Indonesian Capital Market Directory (ICMD). The analytical tool that used is multiple regression. Hypothesis testing is done by the F test, t-test and determination coefficient. For the classical assumption, the test is done by the normality test, autocorrelation test, multicollinearity test, and heteroscedasticity test. The analysis of asset structure has a positive effect on the capital structure and not significant to the capital structure, profitability has a negative and significant effect on the capital structure, the size of the company has a positive and significant effect on the capital structure, and the company’s growth has a negative and significant effect on the capital structure.
ANALYSIS OF EFFECT OF FIRM SIZE, INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP, PROFITABILITY, AND LEVERAGE ON FIRM VALUE WITH CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) DISCLOSURE AS INTERVENING VARIABLES (Study on Banking Companies Listed on BEI Period 2012-2016)
Authors: Astuti Fitria Yuni , Wahyudi Sugeng , Mawardi Wisnu
Published: March 2019

The main objective of the company survives in the stringent competitive by maximizing the value of the company to shareholder wealth. Firm value is experiencing a downward trend is a problem that must be resolved. The banking company also undertakes a social responsibility that is perceived to have a positive impact on the company's image. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the firm size, institutional ownership, profitability, and leverage with corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure as a variable intervening.Populations are banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange Period 2012-2016. Sampling technique used is purposive sampling with 29 companies selected according to predetermined criteria. This research is done by using multiple linear regression analysis methods and path analysis also Sobel test to examine the effect of intervening. Test results with CSRD as the dependent variable indicate that institutional ownership and Leverage have no effect on CSRD While firm size and profitability (ROA) have a positive significant effect on CSRD. The result of testing with Firm Value (Tobins'Q) as the dependent variable indicates that Firm Size, Institutional Ownership, and Profitability (ROA) have no effect on Firm Value (Tobins'Q). Leverage (DAR) has a negative and significant influence on Firm  Value (Tobins'Q) while CSRD has a significant positive effect on Firm Value (Tobins'Q). CSRD does not mediate the effect of Institutional Ownership, Profitability (ROA) and Leverage (DAR) on Firm Value (Tobins'Q). CSRD mediates the effect of Firm Size on Firm Value (Tobins'Q).
Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Nasirian Fariba , Sarir Hadi , Moradi-kor Nasroallah
Published: March 2019

Background

It is well documented that biologically active components of microalgae can be utilized for treatment of different diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities and weight control ofNannochloropsis oculatamicroalgae (NOM) in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Healthy and diabetic rats were divided in to six groups. Healthy and diabetic rats orally received distilled water or NOM (10 and 20 mg/kg) for three weeks.

Results

Oral administration of NOM to diabetic rats significantly reduced the serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and increased the serum concentration of insulin and HDL-C (P<0.05). Treatment with NOM had no significant effect on blood parameters in healthy rats (P>0.05). Also, NOM maintained body weight in diabetic rats (P<0.05).

Conclusion

It can be concluded that NOM has antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities in diabetic rats.