bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Serum NPY Hypermethylation in Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Appelt Ane L. , Andersen Rikke F. , Lindebjerg Jan , Jakobsen Anders
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

Long-term prevention of metastatic disease remains a challenge in locally advanced rectal cancer, and robust pretreatment prognostic factors for metastatic progression are lacking. We hypothesized that detecting circulating tumor-specific DNA (ctDNA) based on hypermethylation of the neuropeptide Y gene (meth-ctDNA) could be a prognostic marker in the neoadjuvant setting; we examined this in a secondary, explorative analysis of a prospective trial.

Materials and Methods:

Serum samples were prospectively collected in a phase III trial for locally advanced rectal cancer. Positivity for and fractional abundance of meth-ctDNA in baseline samples were estimated. Overall survival (OS) and the rate of distant metastases were compared between meth-ctDNA positive and negative patients; other prognostic factors were controlled for in multivariate Cox regression. Importance of quantitative load was examined by considering the fractional abundance of meth-ctDNA relative to total circulating DNA.

Results:

Baseline serum samples were available for 146 patients. In total, 30 patients had presence of meth-ctDNA, with no correlation with cT (P=0.8) or cN (P=0.6) stages. Median follow-up was 10.6 years for OS and 5.1 years for freedom from distant metastases. Patients with meth-ctDNA had significantly worse 5-year OS (47% vs. 69%), even when controlling for other prognostic factors (hazard ratio=2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.51). This seemed mainly driven by disparity in the rate of distant metastases (55% vs. 72% at 5 y, P=0.01); hazard ratio=2.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.19-4.07, P=0.01) in multivariate analysis. Increased quantitative load was highly significant for worse outcomes.

Conclusions:

Meth-ctDNA could be a potential prognostic marker in the neoadjuvant setting and may, if validated, identify patients at increased risk of distant metastases.
Short- and Long-Term Results of Xenogeneic-Free Cultivated Autologous and Allogeneic Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Transplantations
Authors: Behaegel Joséphine , Zakaria Nadia , Tassignon Marie-José , Leysen Inge , Bock Felix , Koppen Carina , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the short- and long-term success rates of xenogeneic-free cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation (CLET) for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).

Methods:

Thirteen patients with LSCD underwent an autologous (n = 9) or allogeneic (n = 4) CLET. The primary end point was to assess the long-term anatomical success rate of transplanted grafts at a follow-up of at least 3 years, in comparison with the short-term outcomes. Secondary end points involved reviewing functional improvement, patient-reported symptoms, and change in percentage area of corneal vascularization in both short-term and long-term.

Results:

The mean short- and long-term follow-up periods were 2.1 ± 0.38 years and 6.7 ± 1.81 years, respectively. The total anatomical success rate was 46.1% in the short-term, but it decreased to 23.1% in the long-term. A partial success rate of 30.8% was observed in both short- and long-term, and the failure rate increased from 23.1% to 46.1%. The mean percentage of vessel area decreased from 12.11% ± 5.29% preoperatively to 7.82% ± 6.70% in the short-term and increased to 8.70% ± 6.32% in the long-term. There was a significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.044) in the short-term although not in the long-term (P = 0.865).

Conclusions:

This study shows that anatomical and functional success rates of CLET decrease over time. We believe that the decline of success is related to the extent of disease, cell origin, and lack of niche protection because subtotal LSCD and autologous donor cells confer a higher chance of success in the long-term.
Tear Film and Meibomian Gland Characteristics in Adolescents
Authors: Tichenor Anna A. , Ziemanski Jillian F. , Ngo William , Nichols Jason J. , Nichols Kelly K.
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To establish normative values of ocular surface parameters in adolescents and explore factors associated with meibomian gland (MG) dropout.

Methods:

Subjects between 8 and 17 years of age were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All subjects were given dry eye and lifestyle questionnaires. Tear film assessments and meibography were performed. Statistical tests included a one-way analysis of variance to test differences in ocular surface parameters between age groups and linear correlations between clinical findings and lifestyle factors.

Results:

Two hundred twenty-five subjects completed the study. Thirty-four subjects (15%) reported ocular discomfort, primarily itching. Tear meniscus height increased with age and was greatest in the oldest subjects (mean = 0.25 mm, P < 0.01). Across all subjects, meibography showed that 39% of the upper and 39% of the lower eyelids had MG dropout. The average MG dropout score was 0.50 ± 0.57 for the upper eyelids and was 0.67 ± 0.93 for the lower eyelids. There was no correlation between phone/tablet usage and MG dropout for either the upper (P = 0.39) or lower (P = 0.56) eyelids.

Conclusions:

The frequency of ocular symptoms in these adolescents was 15%. Because MG dropout is thought to increase with age, it was unexpected to observe that most subjects in this study had mild MG dropout in 1 or both eyelids. Although electronic device usage did not correlate with MG dropout in this study sample, it is still unclear what the effects of long-term digital device usage may have as the subjects age.
Analysis of Compensatory Corneal Epithelial Thickness Changes in Keratoconus Using Corneal Tomography
Authors: Franco Jimena , White Craig A. , Kruh Jonathan N.
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To determine patterns of epithelial remodeling in keratoconus and to assess changes in these patterns as the disease progresses.

Methods:

This is a prospective case series. Patients with keratoconus undergoing corneal collagen crosslinking underwent Scheimpflug imaging before and after epithelial debridement. Analysis was performed to determine maps of epithelial thickness and change in keratometry. Maps were analyzed for patterns, and map SD was quantified. Measures were compared across the patients as grouped by the severity of disease.

Results:

The study comprised 38 eyes from 30 patients. Patients were stratified using the Amsler–Krumeich classification of keratoconus severity, with 17, 14, and 7 patients in the stage I, stage II, and stage III groups, respectively. A pattern of central epithelial thinning (to approximately 20 μm) with an annulus of epithelial thickening (to approximately 30–40 μm) was demonstrated. Changes were more pronounced in the later stages of the disease, with the average central thickness decreasing from 23 μm in stage I to 18 μm in stage III. Central corneal steepening of 1.5 to 1.9 diopters and peripheral flattening of 1.4 to 2.0 diopters after epithelial debridement were demonstrated. Analysis of map SD revealed a significant difference between stage III patients and patients at earlier stages of disease.

Conclusions:

The “doughnut pattern” of epithelial remodeling in keratoconus is supported by Scheimpflug imaging. This pattern is demonstrated to partially compensate for central corneal steepening seen in keratoconus.
MicroRNA-19b predicts widespread pain and posttraumatic stress symptom risk in a sex-dependent manner following trauma exposure
Authors: Linnstaedt Sarah D. , Rueckeis Cathleen A. , Riker Kyle D. , Pan Yue , Wu Alan , Yu Shan , Wanstrath Britannia , Gonzalez Michael , Harmon Evan , Green Paul , Chen Chieh V. , King Tony , Lewandowski Christopher , Hendry Phyllis L. , Pearson Claire , Kurz Michael C. , Datner Elizabeth , Velilla Marc-Anthony , Domeier Robert , Liberzon Israel , Mogil Jeffrey S. , Levine Jon , McLean Samuel A.
Published: September 2019

Posttraumatic widespread pain (PTWP) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are frequent comorbid sequelae of trauma that occur at different rates in women and men. We sought to identify microRNA (miRNA) that may contribute to sex-dependent differences in vulnerability to these outcomes. Monte Carlo simulations (x10,000) identified miRNA in which predicted targeting of PTWP or PTSS genes was most enriched. Expression of the leading candidate miRNA to target PTWP/PTSS-related genes, miR-19b, has been shown to be influenced by estrogen and stress exposure. We evaluated whether peritraumatic miR-19b blood expression levels predicted PTWP and PTSS development in women and men experiencing trauma of motor vehicle collision (n = 179) and in women experiencing sexual assault trauma (n = 74). A sex-dependent relationship was observed between miR-19b expression levels and both PTWP (β = −2.41, P = 0.034) and PTSS (β = −3.01, P = 0.008) development 6 months after motor vehicle collision. The relationship between miR-19b and PTSS (but not PTWP) was validated in sexual assault survivors (β = −0.91, P = 0.013). Sex-dependent expression of miR-19b was also observed in blood and nervous tissue from 2 relevant animal models. Furthermore, in support of increasing evidence indicating a role for the circadian rhythm (CR) in PTWP and PTSS pathogenesis, miR-19b targets were enriched in CR gene transcripts. Human cohort and in vitro analyses assessing miR-19b regulation of key CR transcripts, CLOCK and RORA, supported the potential importance of miR-19b to regulating the CR pathway. Together, these results highlight the potential role that sex-dependent expression of miR-19b might play in PTWP and PTSS development after trauma/stress exposure.
Multifocal Appendiceal Carcinoid Tumor in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rinehardt Hannah , Ranalli Mark , Diefenbach Karen A. , Arnold Michael A. , Espinosa Morazan Allan , Aldrink Jennifer H.
Published: September 2019

Appendiceal carcinoid tumors in children and adolescents are rare. This report describes a case of a multifocal appendiceal carcinoid tumor identified incidentally following appendectomy in an adolescent. In this report, we describe the staging process and surgical management for focal and locally invasive appendiceal carcinoid tumors and highlight the rarity of multifocality in this location. The diagnostic and pathologic challenges for this case are presented.
Breast Cancer and Hair Loss
Authors: Trusson Diane , Quincey Kerry
Published: September 2019

Background

There are relatively few studies comparing men’s and women’s breast cancer experiences. Furthermore, men’s experiences of cancer treatment–induced alopecia have received scant academic attention compared with those of women.

Objective

To explore experiences of treatment-induced alopecia in both sexes and highlight ways in which they might be supported when undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Methods

Qualitative interviews and photographic data taken from 2 separate experiential inquiries were analyzed together, focusing on references made to treatment-induced alopecia in women’s and men’s breast cancer accounts.

Results

Hair loss was described as distressing by both sexes, affecting gendered identities and relationships. Men typically discussed loss of body hair, whereas women rarely referred to body hair explicitly, underlining gendered aspects of their experiences. Differences were also noted in coping strategies, with men using humor and asserting their masculinity. Women were better able to disguise hair loss, whereas men were forced to reveal their hairlessness.

Conclusions

The findings contribute a nuanced understanding of the experience of treatment-induced alopecia for both men and women, which will help to improve their care during cancer treatment.

Implications for Practice

Healthcare professionals should provide information about the possible implications of cancer-related alopecia for identities and social relationships for both sexes. Highlighting marked gender differences in cancer-related hair loss, advice and support specific to men’s needs would be particularly beneficial, enabling greater gender equality in clinical practice. Understanding the coping strategies employed by both sexes in relation to hair loss will help healthcare professionals to identify and address any underlying patient distress.
Intracranial Electroencephalography in Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Appavu Brian , Foldes Stephen , Temkit M’hamed , Jacobson Austin , Burrows Brian T. , Brown Danni , Boerwinkle Varina , Marku Iris , Adelson P. David
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

Electroencephalography is used in neurocritical care for detection of seizures and assessment of cortical function. Due to limited resolution from scalp electroencephalography, important abnormalities may not be readily detectable. We aimed to identify whether intracranial electroencephalography allows for improved methods of monitoring cortical function in children with severe traumatic brain injury.

Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study from a prospectively collected clinical database. We investigated the occurrence rate of epileptiform abnormalities detected on intracranial electroencephalography when compared with scalp electroencephalography. We also investigated the strength of association of quantitative electroencephalographic parameters and cerebral perfusion pressure between both intracranial and scalp electroencephalography.

Setting:

This is a single-institution study performed in the Phoenix Children’s Hospital PICU.

Patients:

Eleven children with severe traumatic brain injury requiring invasive neuromonitoring underwent implantation of a six-contact intracranial electrode as well as continuous surface electroencephalography.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Visual detection of epileptiform abnormalities was performed by pediatric epileptologists. Association of intracranial and scalp electroencephalography total power, alpha percentage, and alpha-delta power ratio to cerebral perfusion pressure was performed using univariate dynamic structural equations modeling. Demographic data were assessed by retrospective analysis. Intracranial and scalp electroencephalography was performed in 11 children. Three of 11 children had observed epileptiform abnormalities on intracranial electroencephalography. Two patients had epileptiform abnormalities identified exclusively on intracranial electroencephalography, and one patient had seizures initiating on intracranial electroencephalography before arising on scalp electroencephalography. Identification of epileptiform abnormalities was associated with subsequent identification of stroke or malignant cerebral edema. We observed statistically significant positive associations between intracranial alpha-delta power ratio to cerebral perfusion pressure in nine of 11 patients with increased strength of association on intracranial compared with scalp recordings.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that intracranial electroencephalography may be useful for detection of secondary insult development in children with traumatic brain injury.
Vaginal Low-Grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma: An Extremely Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tang Yan , Chen Yuanyuan , Tian Li , Chen Juan , Yang Peng , Zhang Dan , Cui Quanzhe , Zhao Lin , Li Ling
Published: September 2019

Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a malignant tumor of the uterus that has been described as the second most common malignant uterine mesenchymal tumor. Primary extrauterine ESS (EESS) is an extremely uncommon occurrence. We hereby report a new bona fide case of low-grade EESS in a 74-yr-old woman arising in the vagina, presenting as a polypoid mass associated with irregular vaginal bleeding. On examination, a 6×2×2 cm polypoid mass was found in the left vaginal wall. Consequently, the patient underwent partial vaginectomy and repair. No ESS or endometriotic lesion was found in the endometrium and bilateral adnexa. The diagnosis of ESS performed by typical pathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation was as follows: beta-catenin (+++), estrogen receptor (+++), progesterone receptor (++), vimentin (++), and uniformly negative for CD10, EMA, CD31, CD34, CD117,CD99, SMA, desmin, h-caldesmon, S-100, MelanA, and HMB45. She has remained disease free with no signs or symptoms of recurrent or advanced disease for 46 mo. Although CD10 is the most useful immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis of this tumor, negative CD10 staining can be encountered with underfixation. Therefore, it is important to use a panel of immunostains that includes CD10, beta-catenin, and smooth muscle markers. The present study describes the clinical and pathologic features of low-grade EESS through a case report and literature review. To the best of our knowledge, this is the eighth report of EESS arising from the vagina.
Increasing Recognition and Diagnosis of Adolescent Depression: Project RedDE: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Rinke Michael L. , Bundy David G. , Stein Ruth E.K. , O’Donnell Heather C. , Heo Moonseong , Sangvai Shilpa , Lilienfeld Harris , Singh Hardeep
Published: September 2019

Background:

Adolescent depression causes appreciable morbidity and is underdiagnosed in primary care. This study investigated whether a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) increases the frequency of adolescent depression diagnoses, thus reducing missed diagnoses.

Methods:

During a cluster-randomized clinical trial, a national cohort of primary care pediatric practices worked in different orders based on randomization to improve performance on each of three different diagnoses; one was increasing adolescent depression diagnoses. While improving their first diagnosis during an 8-month action period, practices collected control data for a different diagnosis. In two subsequent 8-month periods, practices worked to improve two additional diagnoses and continued to provide data on the ability to sustain and maintain improvements. The QIC intervention included day-long video conferences, transparent data sharing, analysis of failures, QI coaching, and tools to help improve diagnostic performance, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Modified. The primary outcome was the measured frequency of depression diagnoses in adolescent health supervision visits compared via generalized mixed-effects regression models.

Results:

Forty-three practices were randomized with 31 in the final analysis. We included 3,394 patient visits in the control and 4,114 in the intervention phases. The adjusted percentage of patients with depression diagnoses increased from 6.6% in the control to 10.5% in intervention phase (Risk Difference (RD) 3.9%; 95% CI 2.4%, 5.3%). Practices sustained these increases while working on different diagnoses during the second (RD -0.4%; 95% CI -2.3, 1.4%), and third action periods (RD -0.1%; 95% CI -2.7%, 2.4%).

Conclusions:

A QIC intervention can sustainably increase adolescent depression diagnoses.
Follow-Up of an Implant-Supported Rehabilitation After Long-Term Use of Alendronate
Authors: Ruocco-Vetucci Viviann , de Souza Faloni Ana Paula , Faeda Rafael Silveira
Published: September 2019

Considering the higher number of bisphosphonate prescriptions worldwide and the risk of medicine-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJs) associated with these drugs, this study aims to report a patient who had weekly used sodium alendronate for 7 years and was submitted to an implant-supported rehabilitation. The alendronate intake was interrupted by the physician 1 year prior to the beginning of the procedures until the whole dental treatment was finished. Moreover, the bone markers procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen were also evaluated and showed the following values, respectively: 150 pg/mg and 27.3 μg/L. The rehabilitation consisted of a careful extraction of teeth 34 and 48, external hexagon implants placement at 34, 36, 37, 46, and 47 sites and cone morse at 41 tooth region. During implants insertion, portions of the bone were collected. It was also performed, a gingival graft at 41 region. After 4 months, it was installed the provisional crowns and 1 year later, the definitive ones. It was observed success of the dental rehabilitation, without any clinical or radiographic signs of MRONJ. Moreover, mandibular bone showed normality aspects, with several osteocytes. Although, alendronate use was restarted after the rehabilitation had been finished, the 2-year follow-up has proved the success of the treatment. Based on these findings, it is possible to consider that the clinical protocol ensured the success of the dental rehabilitation, even with the long-term use of a bisphosphonate.
Havana Syndrome Among Canadian Diplomats: Brain Imaging Reveals Acquired Neurotoxicity
Authors: Friedman Alon , Calkin Cynthia , Adams Amanda , Suarez Guillermo Aristi , Bardouille Tim , Hacohen Noa , Green A. Laine , Gupta R. Rishi , Hashmi Javeria , Kamintsky Lyna , Kim Jong Sung , Laroche Robert , MacKenzie Diane , Milikovsky Dan , Oystreck Darren , Newton Jillian , Noel Greg , Ofer Jonathan , Quraan Maher , Reardon Claire , Ross Margaux , Rutherford Derek , Schmidt Matthias , Serlin Yonatan , Sweeney Crystal , Verge Janine , Walsh Leah , Bowen Chris
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

In late 2016, US diplomats stationed in Havana began presenting with a variety of neurological manifestations that proved difficult to diagnose. Though previous studies suggested a likely association with brain injury, the mechanism of injury, brain regions involved, and etiology remained unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a multimodal study examining 26 Canadian diplomats and their family members, the majority of whom presented with symptoms similar to their American counterparts while residing in Havana. Assessments included a medical history, self-reported symptom questionnaires, cognitive assessments, blood tests, and brain imaging assessments (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG)). Individuals showing signs of brain injury underwent further neurological, visual, and audio-vestibular assessments. Eight participants were tested both before and after living in Havana.

RESULTS

Our assessment documents multiple functional and structural impairments, including significant spatial memory impairment, abnormal brain-stem evoked potentials, degradation of fibre tracts in the fornix and posterior corpus callosum, blood-brain barrier injury to the right basal forebrain and anterior insula, and abnormal paroxysmal slowing events of cortical activity. Subsequent mass-spectrometry and blood analyses documented reduced serum cholinesterase activity and the presence of organophosphates (Temephos) and pyrethroid metabolites (3-phenoxybenzoic acid or 3-BPA).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm brain injury, specify the regions involved, and raise the hypothesis of overexposure to cholinesterase inhibitors as a plausible etiology. If correct, our hypothesis bears public health ramifications (see Discussion) and suggests a course of action for reducing exposure in the future.

FUNDING

Global Affairs Canada.
The global burden of pressure ulcers among patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw , Yirga Tadesse , Mulugeta Henok , Aynalem Yared Asmare
Published: September 2019

Background

Pressure ulcer, one of the common challenging public health problems affecting patient with spinal cord injury, is the formation of lesion and ulceration on the skin specially in the bony prominence areas. It has a significant impact to the patient and health care system. Moreover, it has psychological, physical, social burden and decrease the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Despite its serious complications, limited evidence is available on the global magnitude of pressure ulcers among patient with spinal cord injury. Hence, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the global magnitude of pressure ulcers among patient with spinal cord injury.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Africa journal online, PsycINFO and web-science were systematically searched online to retrieve related articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline was followed. The random-effects model was fitted to estimate the summary effect. To investigate heterogeneity across the included studies, I2 test was employed. Publication bias was examined using funnel plot and Egger’s regression test statistic. All statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14 software for windows.

Results

Twenty-four studies which comprises of 600,078 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The global pooled magnitude of pressure ulcer among patients with spinal cord injury was 32.36% (95% CI (28.21, 36.51%)). Based on the subgroup analysis, the highest magnitude of pressure ulcer was observed in Africa 41.19% (95% CI: 31.70, 52.18).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that about one in three patients with spinal cord injury had pressure ulcers. This implies that the overall global magnitude of pressure ulcer is relatively high. Therefore, policymakers (FMoH) and other concerned bodies need give special attention to reduce the magnitude of pressure ulcers in patient with spinal cord injury.
The Association between SLC25A15 Gene Polymorphisms and Hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrullinuria Syndrome: Using In Silico Analysis
Authors: Mahmoud Nuha A. , Ahmed Dina T. , Mohammed Zainab O. , Altyeb Fatima A. , Mustafa Mujahed I. , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrullinuria (HHH) syndrome is an autosomal recessive inborn error of the urea cycle. It is caused by mutations in the SLC25A15 gene that codes the mitochondrial ornithine transporter. The aim of this study is to detect and identify the pathogenic SNPs in SLC25A15 gene through a combination set of bioinformatics tools and their effect on the structure and function of the protein.

Methods

The deleterious SNPs in SLC25A15 are detected by various bioinformatics tools, with addition to identifying their effects on the structure and function of this gene.

Results

20 deleterious SNPs out 287of were found to have their own damaging effects on the structure and function of the SLC25A15 gene.

Conclusion

This study is the first in silico analysis of SLC25A15 using a selection of bioinformatics tools to detect functional and structural effects of deleterious SNPs. Finding the pathogenic SNPs is a promising start to innovate new, useful SNP diagnostic markers for medical testing and for safer novel therapies specifically targeting mutant SLC25A15.
Proteins That Interact with the Mucin-Type Glycoprotein Msb2p Include Regulators of the Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Prabhakar Aditi , Vadaie Nadia , Krzystek Thomas , Cullen Paul J.
Published: September 2019

Transmembrane mucin-type glycoproteins can regulate signal transduction pathways. In yeast, signaling mucins regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways that induce cell differentiation to filamentous growth (fMAPK pathway) and the response to osmotic stress (HOG pathway). To explore regulatory aspects of signaling mucin function, protein microarrays were used to identify proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of the mucin-like glycoprotein, Msb2p. Eighteen proteins were identified that comprised functional categories of metabolism, actin filament capping and depolymerization, aerobic and anaerobic growth, chromatin organization and bud growth, sporulation, ribosome biogenesis, protein modification by iron-sulfur clusters, RNA catabolism, and DNA replication and DNA repair. A subunit of actin capping protein, Cap2p, interacted with the cytoplasmic domain of Msb2p. Cells lacking Cap2p showed altered localization of Msb2p and increased shedding of Msb2p’s N-terminal glycosylated domain. Consistent with its role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, Cap2p, and another Msb2p-interacting protein, Aip1p, were required for the enhanced cell polarization during filamentous growth. Our study identifies proteins that connect a signalling mucin to diverse cellular processes and may provide insight into new aspects of mucin function.
Piezo1 Induces Local Curvature in a Mammalian Membrane and Forms Specific Protein-Lipid Interactions
Authors: Buyan Amanda , Cox Charles D. , Rae James , Barnoud Jonathan , Li Jinyuan , Cvetovska Jasmina , Bastiani Michele , Chan Hannah S.M. , Hodson Mark P. , Martinac Boris , Parton Robert G , Marrink Siewert J. , Corry Ben
Published: September 2019

Touch, hearing, and blood pressure control require mechanically-gated ion channels that convert mechanical stimuli into electrical currents. Piezo1 and Piezo2 were recently identified as essential eukaryotic mechanically-gated ion channels, yet how they respond to physical forces remains poorly understood. Here we use a multi-disciplinary approach to interrogate the interaction of Piezo1 with its lipid environment. We show that individual Piezo1 channels induce significant local curvature in the membrane that is magnified in a cooperative manner to generate larger curved ‘Piezo1 pits.’ Curvature decreases under lateral membrane tension, consistent with a hypothesis that force detection can involve sensing changes to local curvature. The protein alters its local membrane composition, enriching specific lipids and forming essential binding sites for phosphoinositides and cholesterol that are functionally relevant and often related to Piezo1-mediated pathologies. Finally, we show that Piezo1 alters the expression of lipid-regulating proteins and modifies the cellular lipidome. In short, we find that lipids influence Piezo1 activity and Piezo1 influences the local morphology and composition of the bilayer as well as the cellular lipidome.
Opening up the politics of standard setting through discourse theory: the case of IFRS for SMEs
Authors: Warren Rebecca , Carter David Bernard , Napier Christopher J.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate an element of the internal politics of standard setting by reference to the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) movement to the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs). The authors examine the politics of the IASB’s expertise in technocratic governance by focussing on how the IASB defined SMEs, gave the standard a title and issued a guide for micro-entities.

Design/methodology/approach

The narrative case study focusses on central “moments” in the development of IFRS for SMEs. The authors employ Laclau and Mouffe’s condensation, displacement and overdetermination to illustrate embedded politics in articulating IFRS for SMEs.

Findings

The authors extend literature on the internal politics of standard setting, such as agenda setting, by examining the condensing of disagreements between experts and political pressures and processes into central decision moments in IFRS for SMEs. The authors illustrate these moments as overdetermined, manifesting in an act of displacement through the production of a micro-entity guide. This form of politics is hidden due to the IASB’s attempt to protect their technocratic neutrality through fixing meaning.

Originality/value

The authors make three contributions: first, overdetermination through condensation and displacement illustrates the embedded nature of politics in regulatory settings, such as the IASB. Second, the authors provide a theoretical explanation of the IASB’s movement from listed entities to IFRS for SMEs, drawing on Laclau and Mouffe. Third, the authors reinforce the necessity of interrogating the internal politics of standard setting to challenge claims of technocracy.
Cross-sectional study of the quality of neonatal care services in Armenia
Authors: Galstyan Suren H. , Kalenteryan Hrant Z. , Djerdjerian Arshak S. , Ghazaryan Hovhannes S. , Gharakhanyan Naira T. , Kalenteryan Viktoria Y.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the assessment results of the quality of neonatal care services in Armenia and to describe the identified obstacles to improving the quality of care for newborn infants.

Design/methodology/approach

The study carried out a cross-sectional descriptive design. The data were collected in health facilities with different levels of neonatal care that were selected employing a multi-stage, stratified purposeful sampling design. The quality of neonatal services was assessed using the generic WHO tool. Data collection was performed using face-to-face semi-structured interviews, hospital statistics, medical records and direct observations.

Findings

In 31 study hospitals, 31,976 deliveries were performed resulting in 31,701 live births and 734 stillbirths. About 85 percent of all neonatal deaths was attributable to early neonatal deaths with over 48 percent occurring during the first 24 h of life. The proportion of neonatal deaths was highest in infants with low birth weight constituting 92.8 percent of all neonatal deaths. The total neonatal mortality rate was 3.50 per 1,000 live births, whereas stillbirth rate and perinatal mortality rate were 22.60 and 25.26 per 1,000 total births in 2015. Specific indicators with relatively lower mean scores included neonatal resuscitation, early breastfeeding, monitoring of newborn conditions, neonatal sepsis, feeding standards, total parenteral nutrition, and infection treatment.

Originality/value

Given the limited scope of research on quality assessment, this paper provides valuable information on the status of quality of neonatal care services in Armenian health facilities. This work also extends the existing studies focused on quality assessment through applying the model of Avedis Donabedian with the structure–process–outcomes approach as a theoretical basis.
The evolving role of occupational therapists in adult critical care in England
Authors: Algeo Naomi , Aitken Leanne M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

A recent paradigm-shift in patient care advocates for long-term recovery and quality of life in survivors of critical illness. Evidence suggests that occupational therapists in critical care can contribute to recovery in areas such as functional outcomes, length of stay and delirium, although poor role understanding can limit service-utilisation. The purpose of this study is to investigate current and future roles and practices of critical care occupational therapists in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Occupational therapists with clinical experience in adult critical care were invited to participate in a mixed-methods design using a locally developed online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, concurrently. Descriptive statistics were generated through SPSS. Qualitative data were analysed using the framework approach.

Findings

Twelve occupational therapists participated in the survey element, with five continuing to interview. Occupational therapists described a multifaceted role in critical care where the majority reported practice in upper limb function, seating/positioning, cognition, psychosocial sequelae and discharge planning. Role and internal characteristics impacted on service delivery. It is envisaged that earlier intervention in a greater percentage of patients, a greater evidence-base, raising awareness and adequate staffing will be features for future development.

Originality/value

This study provides new insight into the current role and practices of adult critical care occupational therapists in England and generates insights into their role in addressing physical and non-physical morbidity for this patient cohort. Findings are preliminary in nature; however, future research is warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Facebook news feed ads: a social impact theory perspective
Authors: Xue Fei
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of “social information” in Facebook News Feed ads on American users’ advertising responses, including ad credibility, attitude-toward-the-ad, brand interest, intention to click and purchase intention. Using social impact theory as a conceptual framework, three factors were tested – relationship strength, physical distance and number of affiliated friends. The moderating role of product involvement was also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (strength of relationship: weak vs strong) × 2 (immediacy of relationship: close distance vs long distance) × 2 (number of friends: one vs several) between-group factorial design was used, and 397 research participants were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk).

Findings

Significant main effects were found for relationship strength and physical distance. Product involvement was identified as a moderating variable. No significant effects were found under the high involvement condition. Under the low involvement condition, however, relationship strength and physical distance significantly affected Facebook users’ advertising responses.

Research limitations/implications

Research samples were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk). It is possible that the characteristics of this specific social group might have influenced the findings of the study. Only one specific product category, fast casual restaurant, was tested. Participants were asked to imagine themselves in certain scenarios. Even though the scenarios were carefully tested in the pretest and clear instructions were given, field experiments might be helpful in future research to better reflect the actual consumer experience.

Practical implications

Marketers should take advantage of the “social information” feature in Facebook News Feed ads, especially for low involvement products. Names of friends with stronger social relationships and within close physical distance should be included in the ads.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first to examine the effects of “social information” in Facebook advertising. It also confirms the Social Impact Theory in a social media setting.
Transformational leadership and employee voice: a model of proactive motivation
Authors: Zhang Guilin , Inness Michelle
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Drawing on the model of proactive motivation, the purpose of this paper is to examine how transformational leadership influences followers’ voice behavior through three proactive motivation states, namely, “reason to,” “can do” and “energized to.” It also examines the moderating role of followers’ proactive personality in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee voice.

Design/methodology/approach

The online survey was distributed through Qualtrics using a two-wave design. In total, 1,454 participants completed the survey at Time 1, of those 447 also completed the survey at Time 2.

Findings

Transformational leadership influences employee voice via followers’ promotion focus, role-breadth self-efficacy and affective commitment. Followers’ proactive personality attenuates the impact of transformational leadership on voice, supporting the substitute for leadership hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

Self-reported data are the main limitation of the present study. Other limitations include treating employee voice as a unidimensional construct and oversimplifying the impact of positive affect on voice.

Practical implications

The present study suggests that training managers to demonstrate more transformational leadership behavior, enhancing employees’ proactive motivation and hiring proactive individuals are strategies to facilitate employee voice.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to a better understanding of employee voice from a proactive motivation perspective. It also demonstrates that followers’ proactive personality is important “boundary condition” to transformational leadership.
Rethinking the role of sovereign wealth funds in small island developing states: evidence from Tuvalu and Kiribati
Authors: Taupo Tauisi
Published: September 2019

This paper examines the important role that can be played by sovereign wealth funds in financing of disaster risk management. The governments of Tuvalu and Kiribati are predicting climate change and natural disaster risks imposing increasing financial pressure on their economies. Having the required financial response in the aftermath of disasters is important to these low‐lying atolls. The long‐term sustainability of sovereign wealth funds in Kiribati and Tuvalu in contributing to ex post disaster risk management is examined.
LONGER‐RUN EFFECTS OF ANTI‐POVERTY POLICIES ON DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS
Authors: Neumark David , Asquith Brian , Bass Brittany
Published: September 2019

We assess evidence on the longer‐run effects of minimum wages, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and welfare on key economic indicators of economic self‐sufficiency in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The evidence suggests that the longer‐run effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit are to increase employment and to reduce poverty and public assistance. We also find some evidence consistent with higher welfare benefits having longer‐run adverse effects, and stronger evidence that tighter welfare time limits reduce poverty and public assistance in the longer‐run. The evidence on the longer‐run effects of the minimum wage on poverty and public assistance is not robust. (JEL J22, J23, J38)
Dependence of the Bacillus subtilis biofilm expansion rate on phenotypes and the morphology under different growing conditions
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Kong Yuhao , Zhao Hui , Yan Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2019

Biofilms are communities of tightly associated bacteria encased in an extracellular matrix and attached to surfaces of various objects, such as liquid or solid surfaces. Here we use the multi‐channel wide field stereo fluorescence microscope to characterize growth of the Bacillus subtilis biofilm, in which the bacterial strain was triple fluorescence labeled for three main phenotypes: motile, matrix producing and sporulating cells. We used the feature point matching approach analyzing time lapse experimental movies to study the biofilm expansion rate. We found that the matrix producing cells dominate the biofilm expansion, at the biofilm edge, the expansion rate of matrix producing cells was almost the same as the velocity of the whole biofilm; however, the motile and sporulating cells were nearly rest. We also found that the biofilm expansion rate evolution relates to cell differentiation and biofilm morphology, and other micro‐environments can influence the biofilm growth, such as nutrient, substrate hardness and colony competition. From our work, we get a deeper understanding of the biofilm growth, which can help us to control and to further disperse the biofilm.
Caspase recruitment domain family member 10 regulates carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 and promotes cancer growth in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Liu Xi , Zhang Xiaotong , Bi Jianbin , Li Zhenhua , Zhang Zhe , Kong Chuize
Published: September 2019

Bladder cancer, which can be divided into non‐muscle‐invasive and muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, is the most common urinary cancer in the United States. Caspase recruitment domain family member 10 (CARD10), also named CARD‐containing MAGUK protein 3 (CARMA3), is a member of the CARMA family and may activate the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. We utilized RNA sequencing and metabolic mass spectrometry to identify the molecular and metabolic feature of CARD10. The signalling pathway of CARD10 was verified by Western blotting analysis and functional assays. RNA sequencing and metabolic mass spectrometry of CARD10 knockdown identified the metabolic enzyme carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) in the urea cycle as the downstream gene regulated by CARD10. We confirmed that CARD10 affected cell proliferation and nucleotide metabolism through regulating CPS1. We indicated that CARD10 promote bladder cancer growth via CPS1 and maybe a potential therapeutic target in bladder cancer.
Taraxacum officinale extract ameliorates dextran sodium sulphate‐induced colitis by regulating fatty acid degradation and microbial dysbiosis
Authors: Chen Wei , Fan Huining , Liang Rui , Zhang Rui , Zhang Jing , Zhu Jinshui
Published: September 2019

Numerous data show that taraxacum officinale extract (TOE) exerts protective effects on inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms by which TOE affects dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis remain unclear. After DSS‐induced colitis were treated with different concentrations of TOE for 8 days, the bodyweight, disease activity index (DAI), colon lengths and pathological scoring were assessed, and histopathological examination was confirmed by HE staining. Furthermore, a transcriptome sequencing was performed by using the colon tissues between TOE and DSS groups, and the differentially expressed genes were conducted for the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and were validated by qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. In addition, a 16S rDNA sequencing was carried out to distinguish the differential gut microbiota by using the mouse faecal samples between TOE and DSS groups. We found that TOE attenuated the clinical symptoms, lowered the inflammatory scoring and inhibited the secretion of proinflammatory factors TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 in DSS‐induced colitis. KEGG and GSEA analysis demonstrated that fatty acid degradation and cytokine‐receptor signalling were predominantly enriched in TOE‐treated colitis as compared with the DSS group. Further investigations revealed that TOE increased the expression levels of Adh5, Aldh3a2 and Acox3, but decreased those of CCL20, CCR6 and CXCL1/5 in DSS‐induced colitis, where TOE also induced the enrichment of S24‐7 and adlercreutzia, but decreased the amount of anaerostipes, enterococcus, enterobacteriaceae and peptostreptococcaceae. In conclusion, TOE ameliorated DSS‐induced colitis by regulating fatty acid degradation and microbial dysbiosis.
Up‐regulation of ZFAS1 indicates dismal prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma and promotes proliferation and metastasis by modulating USF1 via miR‐296‐5p
Authors: Li Zhenglong , Jiang Xingming , Huang Lining , Li Jinglin , Ji Daolin , Xu Yi , Leng Kaiming , Cui Yunfu
Published: September 2019

LncRNAs has been demonstrated to modulate neoplastic development by modulating downstream miRNAs and functional genes. In this study, we aimed to detect the interaction among lncRNA ZFAS1 miR‐296‐5p and USF1. We explored the proliferation, migration and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma. The differentially expressed ZFAS1 was discovered in both tissues and cell lines by qRT‐PCR. The targeting relationship between miR‐296‐5p and ZFAS1 or USF1 was validated by dual‐luciferase assay. The impact of ZFAS1 on CCA cell proliferation was observed by CCK‐8 assay. The protein expression of USF1 was determined by Western blot. The effects of ZFAS1, miR‐296‐5p and USF1 on tumour growth were further confirmed using xenograft model. LncRNA ZFAS1 expression was relatively up‐regulated in tumour tissues and cells while miR‐296‐5p was significantly down‐regulated. Knockdown of ZFAS1 significantly suppressed tumour proliferation, migration, invasion and USF1 expression. Overexpressed miR‐296‐5p suppressed cell proliferation and metastasis. Knockdown of USF1 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis and xenograft tumour growth. In conclusion, ZFAS1 might promote cholangiocarcinoma proliferation and metastasis by modulating USF1 via miR‐296‐5p.