bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titanium Three-Dimensional Printed Cranioplasty for Fronto-Nasal Bone Defect
Authors: Champeaux Charles , Froelich Sébastien , Caudron Yohan
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To analyze the characteristics and outcome of patients who underwent the insertion of a 3-dimensional (3D) printed titanium (Materialise) cranioplasty.

Methods:

Surgical and clinical data of patients who underwent 3D printed titanium cranioplasty insertion at our institution were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

A retrospective search identified 19 cases of titanium cranioplasty insertion between 2012 and 2018. 12 patients were male (63.2%) and mean age at cranioplasty was 47.4 ± 11.3 years. 9 patients had the cranioplasty inserted during the very same procedure of the craniectomy and 10 at a separate surgical stage from the craniectomy. Median delay from the craniectomy until the prosthesis insertion was 0.6 years, interquartile range (IQR) [0.4, 0.9]. Side of cranioplasty insertion was right in 6 cases and in the midline frontal in 9. Median surface of the implant was 68.1 cm2, IQR [53, 125.4]. Median follow-up since the cranioplasty insertion was 1.2 year, IQR [0.4, 2.1]. At data collection, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, 1 had its cranioplasty taken out but, none was reported dead. 6 patients (31.6%) experienced early post-operative complications following the cranioplasty insertion. One patient had its cranioplasty removed 2.5 years after the insertion for tumoral recurrence (hemagiopericytoma) and skin necrosis leading to the plate exposure.

Conclusion:

3D printed titanium cranioplasty are useful for complex craniofacial reconstruction regardless the etiology of the skull defect. This device is not associated with a higher rate of complication.
An Investigation of Brain Functional Connectivity by Form of Craniosynostosis
Authors: Sun Alexander H. , Eilbott Jeffrey , Chuang Carolyn , Yang Jenny F. , Brooks Eric D. , Beckett Joel , Steinbacher Derek M. , Pelphrey Kevin , Persing John A.
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

Long-term neurocognitive sequelae of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) patients are just beginning to be clarified. This study uses functional MRI (fMRI) to determine if there is evidence of altered brain functional connectivity in NSC, and whether these aberrations vary by form of synostosis.

Methods:

Twenty adolescent participants with surgically treated NSC (10 sagittal synostosis, 5 right unilateral coronal synostosis [UCS], 5 metopic synostosis [MSO]) were individually matched to controls by age, gender, and handedness. A subgroup of MSO was classified as severe metopic synostosis (SMS) based on the endocranial bifrontal angle. Resting state fMRI was acquired in a 3T Siemens TIM Trio scanner (Erlangen, Germany), and data were motion corrected and then analyzed with BioImage Suite (Yale School of Medicine). Resulting group-level t-maps were cluster corrected with nonparametric permutation tests. A region of interest analysis was performed based on the left Brodmann's Areas 7, 39, and 40.

Results:

Sagittal synostosis had decreased whole-brain intrinsic connectivity compared to controls in the superior parietal lobules and the angular gyrus (P = 0.071). Unilateral coronal synostosis had decreased intrinsic connectivity throughout the prefrontal cortex (P = 0.031). The MSO cohort did not have significant findings on intrinsic connectivity, but the SMS subgroup had significantly decreased connectivity among multiple subcortical structures.

Conclusion:

Sagittal synostosis had decreased connectivity in regions associated with visuomotor integration and attention, while UCS had decreased connectivity in circuits crucial in executive function and cognition. Finally, severity of metopic synostosis may influence the degree of neurocognitive aberration. This study provides data suggestive of long-term sequelae of NSC that varies by suture type, which may underlie different phenotypes of neurocognitive impairment.
The Electrical Activity of Masseter and Anterior Temporal Muscles in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Jahanbin Arezoo , Ahrari Farzaneh , Saeidi Morteza , Moeinifar Azam , Sharifi Farid
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to determine the electrical activity of masseter and anterior temporal muscles in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) and compare it with healthy volunteers. The study involved 20 female patients (mean age 20 ± 4 years) with unilateral cleft lip and palate who had undergone lip and palate surgery in childhood and finished the first-phase orthodontic therapy with level and align teeth. Twenty age- and sex-matched volunteers with no cleft lip and palate were involved as controls. Electromyographic (EMG) signals of masseter and anterior temporal muscles were recorded at rest position, during swallowing and during maximum bite force (MBF). EMG signals at different test conditions were compared between the cleft and noncleft sides of CLP patients and between CLP patients and healthy individuals. The EMG potentials of masseter (rest, swallowing, MBF) and temporal (rest, MBF) muscles were significantly higher in the cleft than the noncleft side of CLP patients (P value <0.001). Generally, patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate experienced a significant increase in the electrical activity of the masseter and temporal muscles in both sides compared to the control group (P <0.05). In conclusion, patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate exhibit overall greater masticatory muscle activity compared to healthy individuals. The asymmetric masticatory function in subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate may be associated with severe consequences such as asymmetric facial growth, implying the importance of early diagnosis and orthodontic treatment to achieve a favorable environment for balanced facial growth in CLP affected patients.
Correlation of Clinical Findings With Computed Tomography in Orbital Traumas
Authors: Aslan Fatih , Ozen Ozkan
Published: April 2019

Background:

Although the eye is a well-protected organ, it is frequently affected by trauma. The timely detection of ocular injuries is extremely important. In this study, the authors evaluated the consistency between findings in computed tomography (CT) examination for orbital fractures and globe integrity and clinical findings in patients presenting to the emergency department due to orbital trauma.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed the files of patients presenting with orbital trauma between January 2015 and January 2018 from emergency department records. Ophthalmology consultation and follow-up notes, radiology reports, and the emergency physician's notes were reviewed.

Results:

During the study period, 286 patients presented to the emergency department with orbital trauma. A total of 119 eyes of 83 patients who underwent orbital CT were included in the study. Orbital bone fracture was detected in 54.6% (n = 65) of the eyes. Of these, 73.8% (n = 48) involved multiple fractures. Among all eyes, the distribution of fractures in the orbital walls was lateral wall in 41.2% (n = 49), floor in 32.8% (n = 39), medial wall in 31.1% (n = 37), and roof in 10.9% (n = 13). Multiple wall fractures were detected in 36.9% (n = 44) of the eyes. At least 1 clinical finding such as diplopia, laceration, abnormal pupillary response, hypoesthesia, and exophthalmos was observed in 47.1% (n = 56) of the eyes. This rate was 56.8% among eyes with orbital fractures and 35.2% in those without fracture. There was a statistically significant relationship between floor fractures and diplopia (P = 0.002). No significant correlations were found between the other radiological and clinical findings.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed a relationship between the presence of orbital fracture and eye damage. In particular, the authors found that the frequency of diplopia was significantly higher in eyes with maxillary bone fracture in the orbital floor. However, orbital CT findings other than bone fracture were not consistent with clinical findings.
Preoperative Evaluation of Iatrogenic Spinal Accessory Nerve Palsy: What Is the Place for Electrophysiological Testing?
Authors: Shen Jun , Ye Xuan , Qiu Yanqun , Xu Jing , Zhu Yi , Shen Yundong , Xu Wendong
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

Electrophysiological testing has been used for the early diagnosis of iatrogenic spinal accessory nerve palsy in clinical practice. However, the presence of low-amplitude compound action potential in 70% to 90% of the patients suffering from iatrogenic nerve transection was reported in several studies. We have encountered the same issue and made minor modifications to the methods of electrophysiological testing. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the reliability of our modified electrophysiological testing as preoperative examination in patients receiving surgical revision.

Methods:

In this study, we compared preoperative electrophysiological testing results with intraoperative diagnosis in the 24 patients with iatrogenic spinal accessory nerve palsy who were referred to our hospital from 2009 to 2018.

Results:

During operation, 20 patients were diagnosed with neurotmesis and the remaining 4 patients were found axonotmesis depending on the results of surgical exploration and intraoperative electrophysiological examination. Six of the 20 patients with neurotmesis demonstrated a low-amplitude compound muscle action potential of the upper trapezius during preoperative electrophysiological testing. Needle electromyography revealed voluntary motor unit potentials in 8 of the 20 patients. Meanwhile, concomitant great auricular nerve or dorsal scapular nerve injuries were preoperatively revealed in 7 of 24 patients.

Conclusions:

The rate of low-amplitude compound muscle action potentials in these patients suffering from spinal accessory nerve neurotmesis was about 30% with our modified electrophysiological testing. We should be aware of this pitfall before surgical nerve repair. Furthermore, electrophysiological testing is an informative preoperative examination revealing the concomitant nerve injuries.
Real-time analysis of single influenza virus replication complexes reveals large promoter-dependent differences in initiation dynamics
Authors: Robb Nicole C. , te Velthuis Aartjan J.W. , Fodor Ervin , Kapanidis Achillefs N.
Published: April 2019

The viral RNA (vRNA) genome of influenza viruses is replicated by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) via a complementary RNA (cRNA) intermediate. The vRNA promoter can adopt multiple conformations when bound by the RNAP. However, the dynamics, determinants, and biological role of these conformations are unknown; further, little is known about cRNA promoter conformations. To probe the RNA conformations adopted during initial replication, we monitored single, surface-immobilised vRNA and cRNA initiation complexes in real-time. Our results show that, while the 3’ terminus of the vRNA promoter exists in dynamic equilibrium between pre-initiation and initiation conformations, the cRNA promoter exhibited very limited dynamics. Two residues in the proximal 3’ region of the cRNA promoter (residues absent in the vRNA promoter) allowed the cRNA template strand to reach further into the active site, limiting promoter dynamics. Our results highlight promoter-dependent differences in influenza initiation mechanisms, and advance our understanding of virus replication.
Inferring Protein Domain Semantic Roles Using word2vec
Authors: Buchan Daniel , Jones David
Published: April 2019

In this paper, using word2vec, we demonstrate that proteins domains may have semantic “meaning” in the context of multi-domain proteins. Word2vec is a group of models which can be used to produce semantically meaningful embeddings of words or tokens in a vector space. In this work we treat multi-domain proteins as “sentences” where domain identifiers are tokens which may be considered as “words”. Using all Interpro (Finn, Attwood et al. 2017) eukaryotic proteins as a corpus of “sentences” we demonstrate that Word2vec creates functionally meaningful embeddings of protein domains. We additionally show how this can be applied to identifying the putative functional roles for Pfam (Finn, Coggill et al. 2016) Domains of Unknown Function.
Structure-based validation can drastically under-estimate error rate in proteome-wide cross-linking mass spectrometry studies
Authors: Yugandhar Kumar , Wang Ting-Yi , Wierbowski Shayne D. , Shayhidin Elnur Elyar , Yu Haiyuan
Published: April 2019

Recent, rapid advances in cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has enabled detection of novel protein-protein interactions and their structural dynamics at the proteome scale. Given the importance and scale of the novel interactions identified in these proteome-wide XL-MS studies, thorough quality assessment is critical. Almost all current XL-MS studies validate cross-links against known 3D structures of representative protein complexes. However, current structure validation approach only includes cross-links where both peptides mapped to the 3D structures. Here we provide theoretical and experimental evidence demonstrating this approach can drastically underestimate error rates for proteome-wide XL-MS datasets. Addressing current shortcomings, we propose and demonstrate a comprehensive set of four metrics, including orthogonal experimental validation to thoroughly assess quality of proteome-wide XL-MS datasets.
Tracking the cells of tumor origin in breast organoids by light sheet microscopy
Authors: Alladin A , Chaible L , Reither S , Löschinger M , Wachsmuth M , Hériché JK , Tischer C , Jechlinger M
Published: April 2019

How tumors arise from individual transformed cells within an intact epithelium is a central, yet unanswered question. Here, we developed a new methodology that combines breast tissue organoids, where oncogenes can be switched on in single cells, with light-sheet imaging that allows us to track cell fates using a big-image-data analysis workflow. The power of this integrated approach is illustrated by our finding that small local groups of transformed cells form tumors while isolated transformed cells do not.
A network of microRNAs acts to promote cell cycle exit and differentiation of human pancreatic endocrine cells
Authors: Jin Wen , Mulas Francesca , Gaertner Bjoern , Sui Yinghui , Wang Jinzhao , Zeng Chun , Vinckier Nicholas , Wang Allen , Nguyen-Ngoc Kim-Vy , Chiou Joshua , Kaestner Klaus H. , Frazer Kelly , Carrano Andrea C. , Shih Hung-Ping , Sander Maike
Published: April 2019

Pancreatic endocrine cell differentiation is orchestrated by transcription factors that operate in a gene regulatory network to activate endocrine lineage genes and repress lineage-inappropriate genes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important modulators of gene expression, yet their role in endocrine cell differentiation has not been explored system-wide. Here we characterize miRNA-regulatory networks active in human endocrine cell differentiation by combining small RNA sequencing, miRNA overexpression experiments, and network modeling approaches. This analysis identifies Let-7g, Let-7a, miR-200a, and miR-375 as endocrine-enriched miRNAs with high impact on driving endocrine differentiation-associated gene expression changes. These miRNAs target different sets of transcription factors, which converge on a network of genes involved in cell cycle regulation. When expressed in human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic progenitors these miRNAs induce cell cycle exit and promote endocrine cell differentiation. Our study delineates the role of miRNAs in human endocrine cell differentiation and identifies miRNAs that could facilitate endocrine cell reprogramming.
Glutamine Synthetase-1 induces autophagy-lysosomal degradation of huntingtin aggregates and ameliorates animal motility in a Drosophila model for Huntington’s disease
Authors: Vernizzi Luisa , Paiardi Chiara , Licata Giusimaria , Vitali Teresa , Santarelli Stefania , Raneli Martino , Manelli Vera , Rizzetto Manuela , Gioria Mariarosa , Pasini Maria E. , Grifoni Daniela , Vanoni Maria A. , Gellera Cinzia , Taroni Franco , Bellosta Paola
Published: April 2019

Glutamine Synthetase1 (GS1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the ATP-dependent synthesis of L-glutamine from L-glutamate and ammonia as a key element of the glutamate glutamine cycle, a complex physiological process occurring between glia and neurons, necessary to control the homeostasis of glutamate. Using a Drosophila model for Huntington’s disease, we report that expression of GS1 in neurons ameliorates the motility defects of animals expressing the mutant Httex1-Q93 form of the huntingtin gene. At the cellular level, expression of GS1 increases the basal level of autophagy and significantly reduces the size of the toxic Htt-Q93 protein aggregates. In addition, we found that expression of GS1 prevents TOR localization at the lysosomal membrane and reduction in the phosphorylation of its effector S6K. This study reveals a novel function for GS1 in neurons linking its activity to the inhibition of TOR signaling and autophagy. The identification of novel pharmacological regulators of autophagy is of particular interest considering its beneficial role in controlling neuronal health and counteracting the detrimental effects of toxic aggregates of proteinopathies including Huntington’s disease.
Gene expression is associated with virulence in murine macrophages infected withLeptospiraspp
Authors: Corrêa de Araújo Junior Erivelto , Encarnação Garcia Leandro , Araújo Matheus Janeck , Oliveira-Junior Itamar Souza , Arnold Daniel Robert , Lopes Flavia Lombardi , Marinho Márcia
Published: April 2019

Leptospiragenus contains species that affect human health with varying degrees of pathogenicity. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the differences in modulation of host gene expression by strains ofLeptospirawith varied virulence degrees. Our data showed a high number of differentilly expressed transcripts in murine macrophages following 6h of infection with both virulent and culture-attenuatedL. interrogansand to a lesser degree, with the saprophyte strainL. biflexa. That suggests that certain genes are modulated byLeptospirainfection independent of their degree of virulence, whether others are virulence and species associated. Pathway analysis indicated that Apoptosis, ATM Signaling and Cell Cycle: G2/M DNA Damage Checkpoint Regulation were exclusively regulated following infection with the virulent strain. Results demonstrated that species and virulence play a role during host response toLeptosppiraspp in murine macrophages.

Author summary

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. It is a re-emerging neglected zoonosis that is found in a range of environments worldwide, most notably tropical regions prone to flooding. This bacteria is found in soil and water and are eliminated in the urine by rats, their natural host reservoir. Through skin contacts with the bacteria people or animals can get infected however the infection process is still poorly understood, such as the fact that different strains can cause different severity of illness. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the differences in modulation of host gene expression by strains ofLeptospiravarying in virulence. After transcriptomic analysis, the results showed a high number of differentially expressed genes after 6h of infection by virulent and attenuatedL. interrogans, and to a lesser extent withL. biflexasaprophytic lineage. This suggests that RNAs are modulated after infection byLeptospirain macrophages, in a species and virulence related manner. It is hoped that the data produced will contribute to further our understanding on the pathogenesis of leptospirosis.
Trending topics and themes in offsite construction(OSC) research
Authors: Liu Guiwen , Nzige Juma Hamisi , Li Kaijian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discover the distribution and trends of existing Offsite construction (OSC) literature with an intention to highlight research niches and propose the future outline.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted literature reviews methodology involving 1,057 relevant documents published in 2008-2017 from 15 journals. The selected documents were empirically analyzed through a topic-modeling technique. A latent Dirichlet allocation model was applied to each document to infer 50 key topics. A machine learning for language toolkit was used to get topic posterior word distribution and word composition.

Findings

This is an exploratory study, which identifies the distribution of topics and themes; the trend of topics and themes; journal distribution trends; and comparative topic, themes and journal distribution trend. The distribution and trends show an increase in researcher’s interest and the journal’s priority on OSC research. Nevertheless, OSC existing literature is faced with; under-researched topics such as building information modeling, smart construction and marketing. The under-researched themes include organizational management, supply chain and context. The authors also found an overload of similar information in prefabrication and concrete topics. Furthermore, the innovative methods and constraints themes were found to be overloaded with similar information.

Research limitations/implications

The naming of the themes was based on our own interpretation; hence, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, a comparative study using different data processing is proposed. The study also provides future research outline as follows: studying OSC topics from dynamic evolution perspective and identifying the new emerging topics; searching for effective strategies to enhance OSC research; identifying the contribution of countries, affiliation and funding agency; and studying the impact of these themes to the adoption of OSC.

Practical implications

This study is of values to the scholars, as it could stimulate research to under-researched areas.

Originality/value

This paper justifies a need to have a broad understanding of the nature and structure of existing OSC literature.
Using grey relational analysis to analyze influential factor of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shenzhen
Authors: He Xiaoyi , Li Liping , Liu Xiaojian , Wu Yongsheng , Mei Shujiang , Zhang Zhen
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease in infants and children. HFMD has caused millions of cases and a large epidemic worldwide. A number of studies have shown that the incidence of HFMD is closely related to various factors such as meteorological factors, environmental air pollution factors and socio-economic factors. However, there are few studies that systematically consider the impact of various factors on the incidence of HFMD. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used grey correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) method to systematically analyse the impact of meteorological factors, health resource factors, socio-economic factors and environmental air pollution factors on the incidence of HFMD in Shenzhen.

Findings

The incidence of HFMD in Shenzhen was affected by multiple factors. Grey correlation analysis found eight influencing factors which are as follows: volume of industrial waste gas emission; the days of air quality equal to or above grade; the volume of industrial nitrogen oxide emission; precipitation; the mean air temperature; the gross domestic product; the expenditure for medical and health care; and the gross domestic product per capita. PCA found that the gross domestic product, the volume of industrial soot emission, the relative humidity, and the days of air quality equal to or above grade have a higher load value.

Originality/value

This study is the one of the first studies that apply the grey correlation analysis to analyse the influencing factors of HFMD in the English literature, which to some extent fills up the blank in this field.
Preferences of Iranian average risk population for colorectal cancer screening tests
Authors: Ramezani_Doroh Vajiheh , Delavari Alireza , Yaseri Mehdi , Emamgholipour Sefiddashti Sara , Akbarisari Ali
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the preferences of the average risk Iranian population for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests.

Design/methodology/approach

A standard stated-preferences method with discrete choice models was used to identify the preferences. Data about socio-demographic status, health status and preferences for CRC screening tests were collected by a structured questionnaire that was completed by 500 people aged 50–75 years. Mixed logit model was used to analyze the preferences.

Findings

The regression model showed that the test process, pain, place, frequency, preparation, sensitivity, complication risk, mortality rate and cost were the final attributes; that had a statistically significant correlation with the preferences of the people in choosing CRC screening tests. The socio-demographic and health status of participants had no significant correlation with the individuals’ preferences.

Practical implications

This study provides insight into how different characteristics of a CRC screening test might influence the preferences of individuals about that test.

Originality/value

This was the first study of this type in Iran to elicit the preferences of the average risk population for CRC screening tests using a discrete choice model.
Lean project planning and control: empirical investigation of ETO projects
Authors: Jünge Gabriele Hofinger , Alfnes Erlend , Kjersem Kristina , Andersen Bjorn
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate an effective project management practice focusing on planning and control. By doing so, it contributes to the debate on rethinking traditional project management practices and accentuates the need for adjustments based on the project context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper extends the project management theory by proposing a lean project planning (LPP) and control framework, developed and tested in collaboration with ten engineer-to-order (ETO) companies. By following a design science research approach, elements from lean thinking and current project planning and control practices are combined into a maturity model (MM).

Findings

ETO project characteristics are identified, and their implications for planning and control are discussed. Nine enablers that transform current project planning and control approaches into a lean approach are defined, allowing the analysis of the underlying complexity of planning and controlling ETO projects and thus facilitating the determination of the actions required to improve project performance.

Research limitations/implications

Once fully embedded in an organization, the presented MM can provide a safe framework for self-criticism and can be used to conduct self-assessments without the need for an external facilitator. Thus, this paper is of particular interest to practicing project managers who aim to implement LPP and control.

Originality/value

To the authors’ best knowledge, this paper is the first to empirically examine the journey toward LPP and control from a MM perspective. This research attempts to describe the enablers of LPP and control.
Pemphigus‐like hypereosinophilic syndrome with FIP1L1–PDGFRA fusion gene: A challenging and uncommon clinical presentation
Authors: Curto‐Barredo Laia , Segura Sonia , Ishii Norito , Hashimoto Takashi , Mascaró José M. , Espinet Blanca , Besses Carles , Pujol Ramon M.
Published: April 2019

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is often associated with cutaneous manifestations, mostly pruritic lesions, urticaria and angioedema. Mucosal lesions are rarely seen in HES but, when present, are usually the first manifestation of the disease. The clinical presentation may be heterogeneous, including erosions, aphthae or ulcers, and can be easily confused with other mucocutaneous disorders. Here, we present the case of a 64‐year‐old man with severe chronic erosive oral mucositis simulating pemphigus in which the finding of persistent eosinophilia and elevation of B12 vitamin serum levels raised the suspicion of HES. The FIP1L1–PDGFRA fusion gene (4q12) was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the patient was treated with imatinib mesylate with complete response of the disease.
Time‐frequency analysis based on curvelet transforms with time skewing
Authors: Wang Jiao , Li Zhenchun , Gross Lutz , Tyson Stephen
Published: April 2019

Oil and gas exploration gradually changes to the deep and complex areas. The quality of seismic data restricts the effective application of conventional time‐frequency analysis technology, especially in the case of low signal‐to‐noise ratio. To address this problem, we propose a curvelet‐based time‐frequency analysis method, which is suitable for seismic data, and takes into account the lateral variation of seismic data. We first construct a kind of curvelet adapted to seismic data. By adjusting the rotation mode of the curvelet in the form of time skewing, the scale parameter can be directly related to the frequency of the seismic data. Therefore, the curvelet coefficients at different scales can reflect the time‐frequency information of the seismic data. Then, the curvelet coefficients, which represent the dominant azimuthal pattern, are converted to the time‐frequency domain. Since the curvelet transform is a kind of sparse representation for the signal, the screening process of the dominant coefficient masks most of the random noise, which enables the method to adapt for the low signal‐to‐noise ratio data. Results of synthetic and field data experiments using the proposed method demonstrate that it is a good approach to identify weak signals from strong noise in the time‐frequency domain.
The role of trust in joined‐up government activities: Experiences from Health in All Policies in South Australia
Authors: Delany‐Crowe Toni , Popay Jennie , Lawless Angela , Baum Fran , MacDougall Colin , van Eyk Helen , Williams Carmel
Published: April 2019

Trust has been consistently identified as an important enabling factor for joined‐up government activity to generate strong, integrated and effective social policy. Despite this, there has been comparatively little detailed analysis of the complexities and dynamics involved. This paper provides a detailed examination of how trust is built, nurtured and, in some instances, lost during joined‐up policy activity. It draws on interview and survey data that reveal the dynamics of relationships formed under the South Australian Health in All Policies initiative. The research extends the parameters of organisational analyses of trust. Previous typologies are mostly descriptive, with limited explanatory power, typically focusing on individuals and institutions separately rather than integrating these foci to consider how trust operates within whole systems. By integrating Giddens’ theoretical perspectives on trust with existing typologies, the paper generates understanding about how trust operates as a resource within non‐traditional joined‐up government working relationships, serving to bridge the gap between the known and unknown, and acting as a productive resource to stimulate action within government systems that are perceived to feature high levels of risk. A model is provided to explain the interrelated dynamics of trust building, maintenance, monitoring and repair.
Renoprotective effects of brown adipose tissue activation in diabetic mice
Authors: Cai Ying‐Ying , Zhang Hong‐Bin , Fan Cun‐Xia , Zeng Yan‐Mei , Zou Shao‐Zhou , Wu Chun‐Yan , Wang Ling , Fang Shu , Li Ping , Xue Yao‐Ming , Guan Mei‐Ping
Published: April 2019

Background

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been regarded as a potential target organ to combat obesity and related metabolic disorders. However, the effect of BAT activation on the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains unclear.

Methods

Diabetic mice were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) combined with a high‐fat diet. To activate BAT, mice were administered 1 mg/kg per day, i.p., CL316,243, a β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist, for 4 weeks. Blood glucose, serum lipids, adipokines, 24‐hour urinary albumin, 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), and circulating microRNA (miRNA) levels were analyzed, in addition to renal pathology. Histological changes (fibrosis, inflammation) were evaluated in the kidneys, as was the expression of oxidative stress‐related genes. Renal signaling pathways (fibroblast growth factor [Fgf]21/β‐klotho/FGF receptor 1c and AMP‐activated protein kinase[AMPK]/sirtuin 1 [Sirt1]/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α [Pgc1α]) were also evaluated.

Results

Compared with untreated STZ‐diabetic mice, CL316,243 treatment reduced blood glucose, albeit not significantly (20.58 ± 3.55 vs 23.60 ± 3.90 mM), and significantly decreased triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Simultaneously, BAT activation significantly decreased 24‐hour urinary albumin (34.21 ± 6.28 vs 70.46 ± 15.81 μg/24 h; P < 0.05) and 8‐OHdG, improved renal fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, and ameliorated renal morphological abnormalities. In addition to enhancing BAT activity, CL316,243 significantly increased serum adiponectin concentrations and renal Fgf21 sensitivity, and reactivated the renal AMPK/Sirt1/Pgc1α signaling pathway. Furthermore, CL316,243 treatment increased levels of some circulating miRNAs and downregulated expression of their target genes in the kidney.

Conclusions

Activating BAT could improve kidney injury in diabetic mice via metabolic improvements and renal AMPK activation by beneficial adipokines and miRNAs.
Lu177‐PSMA therapy for men with advanced prostate cancer: Initial 18 months experience at a single Australian tertiary institution
Authors: McBean Rhiannon , O'Kane Brooke , Parsons Rex , Wong David
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Lutetium‐177‐PSMA (LuPSMA) is a targeted systemic radioligand treatment for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). LuPSMA is considered as an experimental treatment not yet used in routine practice. Here, we report our experience following the introduction of LuPSMA therapy at our institution.

Methods

Referred mCRPC patients were assessed for treatment suitability including Gallium‐68‐PSMA PET/CT and blood tests. Suitable patients underwent up to four cycles of LuPSMA treatment. Response to treatment was assessed by changes in serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels. Toxicity was assessed by recording of adverse events.

Results

In an 18 month period, 50 patients underwent 132 cycles of LuPSMA therapy. Patients underwent a median of three cycles each (range: 1–4) and the mean administered amount of activity per cycle was 5.9 GBq (range: 3.5–8.2 GBq). PSA decline could be calculated for 49 patients, with a best PSA decline of ≥ 50% observed in 22 patients (44.9%). Adverse events were reported across 45 of 132 LuPSMA cycles. Most adverse events were grade I (42/45) and the remaining three events were grade II.

Conclusion

Initial experience at our site supports the use of LuPSMA as an emerging safe and effective treatment for mCRPC. Since introducing LuPSMA therapy at our institution, 44.9% of patients have experienced a decline in PSA level ≥ 50% with low or minimal toxicity. This is an important finding as these patients had previously exhausted all available treatment options. Overall, we have found patients and their primary care doctors have eagerly accepted LuPSMA as another line of defence against mCRPC.
Time efficiency and quality of outcomes in a model‐free digital workflow using digital impression immediately after implant placement: A double‐blind self‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pan Shaoxia , Guo Danni , Zhou Yongsheng , Jung Ronald E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Mühlemann Sven
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess the clinical and laboratory time efficiency and quality of outcomes for posterior single implant crowns by means of a model‐free digital workflow using digital impressions immediately after implant placement.

Methods

Forty patients missing a single posterior tooth received implant therapy. For within‐subject comparison, digital impressions were taken immediately after implant placement and conventional impressions after implant healing. Two monolithic zirconia crowns were fabricated using a laboratory‐based CAD‐CAM system. One crown was produced from the immediate digital impression and a model‐free digital workflow (test group), and the second crown was produced from the conventional impression and a hybrid workflow (control group). Clinical and laboratory time was recorded. Quality of outcomes was evaluated double‐blinded. A paired‐sample t test was applied for statistical analysis.

Results

The total mean chairside time (impression and delivery) was 23.2 min (95%CI 22.2, 24.3) in the test group and 25.7 min (95%CI 24.4, 26.9) in the control group (p = 0.013). Significantly less laboratory time was needed in the model‐free digital workflow (13.6 min, 95%CI 11.5, 15.6) as compared to the model‐based hybrid workflow (29.9 min, 95%CI 25.7, 34.2) (p < 0.05). At crown delivery, 4/40 (test) and 12/40 (control) had no need of chairside adjustments, and 6/40 (test) and 5/40 (control) implant crowns were in need of additional laboratory interventions.

Conclusion

The fabrication of posterior single implant crowns using digital impressions taken immediately after implant placement and a model‐free, laboratory‐based digital workflow was more time efficient and resulted in similar quality of outcomes as a hybrid workflow using conventional impressions.
Depletion of primary cilium in acral melanoma
Authors: Love Nick R. , Lang Ursula E. , Cheung Christine , Kim Jinah
Published: April 2019

Background

A eukaryotic cell's primary cilium (PC) is critical for cell signaling, migration and homeostasis. Primary cilium dysfunction has been demonstrated in several malignancies, but whether primary cilia loss occurs in acral melanoma has remained unknown. To address this, we examined the ciliation index (% melanocytes containing a PC) of patient‐derived, biopsy‐proven acral melanoma and compared these to benign acral nevi.

Methods

We generated a pilot initiative study that included six acral melanomas and seven acral nevi derived from the foot. Using fluorescent immunohistochemistry, we calculated ciliation indexes of Sox10+ melanocytes.

Results

Average ciliation index for acral nevi was 74.0% (SE of the mean [SEM] 3.3%) vs 9.3% for acral melanoma (SEM 5.7%), finding a statistically significant difference between the groups (P‐value <.001, two tailed t test).

Conclusion

The data show a significant loss of primary cilia in malignant acral melanoma vs benign acral nevi, suggesting that cilia may play an important role during acral melanoma formation. Our data, which should be validated by a larger study with longer follow‐up period, suggest that examining ciliation index may be a useful diagnostic test when distinguishing benign acral nevi from melanoma.
‘No Smoke without Fire’: Citizenship and Securing Economic Enclaves in Mozambique
Authors: Buur Lars , Sumich Jason
Published: April 2019

This article explores the complicated interrelationship between economic enclaves, their associated security practices and the formation of national citizens in Mozambique. From the colonial era of company rule to the large‐scale foreign direct investments of the present day, investors have feared the destructive fires of rampant ‘mobs’, unruly workers and the potentially rebellious populace more generally. Signs of smoke point to trouble for investors, who can draw on complex security arrangements, including corporate social responsibility programmes, unions, private security companies, community leaders, state police and specialized state and rapid response units with the latest communications and transport technologies, to try to protect their investments from labour unrest and political demands. Through a variety of ethnographic materials on mega‐investments in the sugar industry over the last two decades, the article explores the centrality of complex security arrangements to strategies of governance that use such arrangements in an attempt to produce disciplined national subjects.
Single introductions of soil biota and plants generate long‐term legacies in soil and plant community assembly
Authors: Wubs E. R. Jasper , van der Putten Wim H. , Mortimer Simon R. , Korthals Gerard W. , Duyts Henk , Wagenaar Roel , Bezemer T. Martijn
Published: April 2019

Recent demonstrations of the role of plant–soil biota interactions have challenged the conventional view that vegetation changes are mainly driven by changing abiotic conditions. However, while this concept has been validated under natural conditions, our understanding of the long‐term consequences of plant–soil interactions for above‐belowground community assembly is restricted to mathematical and conceptual model projections. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that one‐time additions of soil biota and plant seeds alter soil‐borne nematode and plant community composition in semi‐natural grassland for 20 years. Over time, aboveground and belowground community composition became increasingly correlated, suggesting an increasing connectedness of soil biota and plants. We conclude that the initial composition of not only plant communities, but also soil communities has a long‐lasting impact on the trajectory of community assembly.
Network change in the ipsilesional cerebellum is correlated with motor recovery following unilateral pontine infarction
Authors: Liu G. , Tan S. , Peng K. , Dang C. , Xing S. , Xie C. , Zeng J.
Published: April 2019

Background and purpose

Patients with acute pontine infarcts generally have good short‐term motor outcomes; however, the mechanisms underlying this recovery of function remain unclear.

Methods

Twenty well‐recovered patients with acute pontine infarcts and 20 well‐recovered patients with acute striato‐capsular infarcts were recruited. Fugl‐Meyer assessment and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging were performed 1, 4 and 12 weeks after onset. Patients were further assigned to better and worse recovery subgroups according to the degree of motor recovery at the twelfth week after stroke. Voxel‐wise degree centrality (DC)–behavior correlation analysis was used to identify brain regions related to changes in motor function within 12 weeks after stroke.

Results

A significant correlation was found between DC and Fugl‐Meyer scores within 12 weeks in the ipsilesional cerebellar crus I and crus II in patients with pontine infarction and in the ipsilesional middle temporal gyrus in patients with striato‐capsular infarction (all P < 0.001, AlphaSim corrected). The mean DC in these areas was higher both in the better and worse recovery subgroups at the fourth than at the first week (all P < 0.05). In addition, the mean DC values in these areas were higher in patients with better recovery at the twelfth than at the first week (P < 0.05), but such change was not found in patients with worse recovery.

Conclusions

These results indicate that network changes in the ipsilesional cerebellum are correlated with motor recovery following pontine infarction. Motor recovery mechanisms may vary between pontine and striato‐capsular infarcts, according to lesion location.
Effect of metformin on human periodontal ligament stem cells cultured with polydopamine‐templated hydroxyapatite
Authors: Yang Zun , Gao Xiang , Zhou Mengjiao , Kuang Yunchun , Xiang Mingli , Li Jie , Song Jinlin
Published: April 2019

Polydopamine‐templated hydroxyapatite (tHA) is a type of nano‐biomaterial that can promote osteogenesis in bone tissue engineering. However, high concentrations of tHA stimulate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in cell injury and apoptosis. Metformin has been demonstrated to activate the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, which induces autophagy and decreases ROS production to prevent apoptosis. The present study was performed to investigate the potential application of tHA in combination with metformin in periodontal bone tissue engineering. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) were exposed to tHA in the presence or absence of metformin, and cytocompatibility and osteogenesis were detected by related assays. Additionally, the autophagy signaling pathway was analyzed by western blotting. Polydopamine‐templated hydroxyapatite, in combination with metformin, substantially reduced ROS production and apoptosis, and enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. Enhanced levels of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 II and Beclin‐1 were observed after exposure to tHA plus metformin. Expression of phosphorylated AMPK was increased and that of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was decreased after exposure to tHA plus metformin. Taken together, our results demonstrate that tHA, combined with metformin, increases the viability of hPDLSCs via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway by regulating autophagy and further improving the osteogenic effect.
Differential sensitivity of structural, diffusion, and resting‐state functional MRI for detecting brain alterations and verbal memory impairment in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsuan A. , Marshall Anisa , Bahrami Naeim , Mathur Kushagra , Javadi Sogol S. , Reyes Anny , Hegde Manu , Shih Jerry J. , Paul Brianna M. , Hagler Donald J. , McDonald Carrie R.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is known to affect large‐scale gray and white matter networks, and these network changes likely contribute to the verbal memory impairments observed in many patients. In this study, we investigate multimodal imaging patterns of brain alterations in TLE and evaluate the sensitivity of different imaging measures to verbal memory impairment.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (vMRI), and resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) were evaluated in 46 patients with TLE and 33 healthy controls to measure patterns of microstructural, structural, and functional alterations, respectively. These measurements were obtained within the white matter directly beneath neocortex (ie, superficial white matter [SWM]) for DTI and across neocortex for vMRI and rs‐fMRI. The degree to which imaging alterations within left medial temporal lobe/posterior cingulate (LMT/PC) and left lateral temporal regions were associated with verbal memory performance was evaluated.

Results

Patients with left TLE and right TLE both demonstrated pronounced microstructural alterations (ie, decreased fractional anisotropy [FA] and increased mean diffusivity [MD]) spanning the entire frontal and temporolimbic SWM, which were highly lateralized to the ipsilateral hemisphere. Conversely, reductions in cortical thickness in vMRI and alterations in the magnitude of the rs‐fMRI response were less pronounced and less lateralized than the microstructural changes. Both stepwise regression and mediation analyses further revealed that FA and MD within SWM in LMT/PC regions were the most robust predictors of verbal memory, and that these associations were independent of left hippocampal volume.

Significance

These findings suggest that microstructural loss within the SWM is pronounced in patients with TLE, and injury to the SWM within the LMT/PC region plays a critical role in verbal memory impairment.