bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visibility of Optic Nerve Head Structures With Spectral-domain and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Loureiro Mónica M. , Vianna Jayme R. , Danthurebandara Vishva M. , Sharpe Glen P. , Hutchison Donna M. , Nicolela Marcelo T. , Chauhan Balwantray C.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To compare the visibility of deep optic nerve head (ONH) structures and the visible area of the anterior surface of the lamina cribrosa (ASLC) with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and swept-source OCT (SS-OCT).

Materials and Methods:

In total, 33 glaucoma patients were imaged with SD-OCT (Spectralis, 24 radial B-scans centered on the ONH) and SS-OCT (Atlantis, 12 radial and a horizontal and vertical raster scan pattern containing 5 lines each, centered on the ONH). One of the SS-OCT horizontal and vertical scans that was best matching with the horizontal and vertical scan lines with those of SD-OCT was selected. All B-scans were then exported and deidentified. An independent observer determined whether the posterior choroid, border tissue, anterior scleral canal opening, and LC insertion into the sclera were detectable in the matched scan lines. Bruch membrane opening (BMO) and ASLC were segmented manually in radial scans. The segmented points were combined into a single plane and a linear interpolation was used to define BMO and ASLC areas.

Results:

The posterior choroid, border tissue, and anterior scleral canal opening were detectable in most patients (94% to 100%, 88% to 100%, and 76% to 100%, respectively) and were not different between SD-OCT and SS-OCT. The LC insertion detection rate was nonstatistically higher for SS-OCT compared with SD-OCT (58% to 85% vs. 42% to 73%; P>0.10). The mean (SD) ASLC visible area (percentage of the respective BMO area) was 124 (30%) with SD-OCT and 135 (32%) with SS-OCT (P<0.01).

Conclusion:

SD-OCT and SS-OCT had comparable detection rates of deep ONH structures; however, a larger area of ASLC was visible with SS-OCT.
Posterior Surgical Revision of Failed Fornix-based Trabeculectomy
Authors: Sobeih Doaa H. , Cotran Paul R.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate outcomes after revision of failed fornix-based trabeculectomy using a posterior conjunctival incision and mitomycin C.

Methods:

Cases were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Information from clinical records was analyzed retrospectively. Complete success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤16 mm Hg with no glaucoma medications and IOP reduction of >20% from preoperative levels. Qualified success was defined as IOP≤16 with or without medications and IOP reduction of >20%. Secondary outcomes included IOP, number of glaucoma medications used, visual acuity, and complications.

Results:

Sixty eyes of 56 patients underwent surgical revision of failed trabeculectomy. The complete success rate at 1 year was 43.7%, declining to 41.7% at 2 years and all time points up to 5 years; qualified success rates were 68.9% at 1 year and at all subsequent time points. Mean IOP declined from 21.2±7.7 (SD) mm Hg preoperatively to 10.9±4.3 mm Hg at 1 year, to 10.5±3.8 mm Hg at 2 years, and to 9.9±4.6 mm Hg at 3 years. The mean number of glaucoma medications used fell from 2.5±0.5 preoperatively to 1.0±0.4 at 1 year, 0.9±0.4 at 2 years, and 0.9±0.4 at 3 years. Complications included bleb leak in 3 eyes (5.0%), hypotony with choroidal detachment in 3 eyes (5.0%) and hyphema in 1 eye (1.7%). Eight eyes required additional glaucoma surgery.

Conclusions:

Surgical bleb revision with mitomycin C using a posterior incision in cases of failed fornix-based trabeculectomy can provide effective control of IOP. This conjunctiva-sparing procedure should be considered as a viable alternative to a tube shunt or repeat trabeculectomy.
Cost-effectiveness of Phacoemulsification Versus Combined Phacotrabeculectomy for Treating Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Chan Poemen P. , Li Emmy Y. , Tsoi Kelvin K.F. , Kwong Yolanda Y. , Tham Clement C.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to compare the cost effectiveness of phacoemulsification and combined phacotrabeculectomy for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes with coexisting cataract.

Methods:

Real-life data of 2 previous randomized control trials that involved 51 medically uncontrolled PACG eyes and 72 medically controlled PACG eyes were utilized to calculate the direct cost of treatment. They were followed-up for 2 years. Cost of preoperative assessments, surgical interventions, additional procedures for managing complications and maintenance of filtration, postoperative follow-up, and cost of medications were considered. Cost data of 3 different regions (The United States, People’s Republic of China, and Hong Kong) were used for comparison.

Results:

The corresponding average costs for treating 1 eye with newly diagnosed PACG by phacoemulsification alone and combined phacotrabeculectomy were US$3479 and US$2439 in the United States, US$1051 and US$861 in China, and US$6856 and US$12087 in Hong Kong. Surgical and medications costs were the 2 key contributors. Combined phacotrabeculectomy was more cost-effective for IOP reduction when calculating with the United States and China cost data, but was less cost-effective when calculating with the Hong Kong cost data. The cost-effectiveness was insensitive to the costs of follow-up visit and investigations, the cost of surgical operations, and the cost of postoperative procedures, but sensitive to the cost fluctuation of medications. Furthermore, for the medically uncontrolled PACG group, phacoemulsification alone became more cost-effective when the cost of medication was reduced by >75%.

Conclusions:

Combined phacotrabeculectomy is a more cost-effective option for lowering IOP in PACG eyes with coexisting cataract, over a 2-year follow-up period.
Microbial Contamination on Touch Surfaces in Sick- and Well-Child Waiting Rooms in Pediatric Outpatient Facilities
Authors: Gudakova Irina , Kim JinYoung , Meredith Jennifer F. , Webb Ginny
Published: August 2017

Background:

Healthcare-associated infections are a significant public health burden resulting in approximately 1.7 million infections each year. Much work is done to study the contributing factors in inpatient settings; however, little has been done to study outpatient facilities and their roles in healthcare-associated infections. While many pediatric outpatient offices utilize separated waiting areas for sick and well children to decrease the spread of disease, research has not been done to determine whether this practice is of benefit. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a difference in microbial burden between sick- and well-child waiting areas and to identify surfaces with the highest levels of contamination.

Methods:

Touch surfaces in waiting rooms were swabbed and surveyed for total microbial growth, staphylococcal growth and Gram-negative enteric bacterial growth. Selected bacteria were identified to screen for pathogenic organisms. Surfaces sampled included seats, tables, children’s tables, children’s seats, magazines and books.

Results:

We found seats, children’s seats and children’s books to have the highest microbial burden. No conclusions can be made on the differences in microbial contamination in sick- and well-child waiting areas because of high variation. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated as were several opportunistic pathogens.

Conclusions:

This study suggests the need for better cleaning practices by pediatric outpatient facilities, to include the disinfection of additional surfaces as well as more frequent and thorough cleaning.
Advances in treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Hsu Emory , Nanes Mark
Published: August 2017

Purpose of review

The aim of this study is to summarize monitoring, prevention and treatment options of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis for patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy.

Recent findings

Recent meta-analyses highlight the efficacy of bisphosphonate use in improving bone mineral density and in reducing vertebral fractures in the setting of long-term glucocorticoid use. A new study has now shown that alendronate also reduces the risk of hip fracture in glucocorticoid use. Emerging data indicate that teriparatide and denosumab also reduce the risk of osteoporotic fracture in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Glucocorticoid use is a leading cause of secondary osteoporosis; however, patients at risk of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis are often not evaluated or treated in a timely manner. Patients on a dose equivalent of 2.5 mg prednisone or greater for 3 months or longer duration should have their fracture risk assessed. Those at moderate or high risk should start bisphosphonate therapy, or if contraindicated, a second-line agent such as teriparatide or denosumab.
Cecal intubation time between cap-assisted water exchange and water exchange colonoscopy: a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Tseng Chih-Wei , Koo Malcolm , Hsieh Yu-Hsi
Published: August 2017

Background and aim

The water exchange (WE) method can decrease the discomfort of the patients undergoing colonoscopy. It also provides salvage cleansing and improves adenoma detection, but a longer intubation time is required. Cap-assisted colonoscopy leads to a significant reduction in cecal intubation time compared with traditional colonoscopy with air insufflation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether combined cap-assisted colonoscopy and water exchange (CWE) could decrease the cecal intubation time compared with WE.

Patients and methods

A total of 120 patients undergoing fully sedated colonoscopy at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan were randomized to colonoscopy with either CWE (n=59) or WE (n=61). The primary endpoint was cecal intubation time.

Results

The mean cecal intubation time was significantly shorter in CWE (12.0 min) compared with WE (14.8 min) (P=0.004). The volume of infused water during insertion was lower in CWE (840 ml) compared with WE (1044 ml) (P=0.003). The adenoma detection rate was 50.8 and 47.5% for CWE and WE, respectively (P=0.472). The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale scores were comparable in the two groups. Results from the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that WE with a cap, a higher degree of endoscopist’s experience, a higher Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score, and a lower volume of water infused during insertion, without abdominal compression, without change of position, and without chronic laxative use, were significantly associated with a shorter cecal intubation time.

Conclusion

In comparison with WE, CWE could shorten the cecal intubation time and required lower volume of water infusion during insertion without compromising the cleansing effect of WE.
Effects of walking trainings on walking function among stroke survivors: a systematic review
Authors: Ilunga Tshiswaka Daudet , Bennett Crystal , Franklin Cheyanne
Published: August 2017

Physical function is often compromised as a result of stroke event. Although interventions propose different strategies that seek to improve stroke survivors’ physical function, a need remains to evaluate walking training studies aimed at improving such physical function. The aim of this review was to assess the available literature that highlights the impact of walking training on enhancing walking for stroke survivors. We performed a systematic literature review of online databases – Google Scholar, PubMed, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EBSCO – with the following inclusion criteria: manuscript published from 2005 to 2016, written in English, with treatment and control groups, for walking training studies aimed at improving physical function among stroke survivors. Findings indicated that walking speed, walking distance, and gait speed were the most used outcome variables for measuring improved physical function among stroke survivors. Importantly, proposed interventions involved either overground or treadmill walking trainings, if not both. Preserved locomotor improvements were not noted in all interventions at follow-up. Some interventions that used walking treadmill training augmented by auditory stimulations reported significant improvements in physical function compared with overground walking training augmented by auditory stimulations. The imperative to improve physical function among stroke survivors with physical impairment is paramount, as it allows survivors to be socially, emotionally, and physically more independent. In general, we note an insufficiency of research on the interaction between physical function and socialization among stroke survivors.
Investigation of Early Syphilis Trends Among Men Who Have Sex With Men to Identify Gaps in Screening and Case-Finding in Baltimore City, Maryland
Authors: Schumacher Christina M. , Fields Errol , Chandran Aruna , Heidari Omeid , Kingon Yvonne , Chaulk Patrick , Jennings Jacky M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Syphilis incidence is increasing across the United States among men who have sex with men (MSM). Early latent (EL) versus primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis may be an indicator of delayed diagnosis and increased opportunity for transmission. To inform syphilis control strategies and identify potential gaps in case finding, we described recent syphilis trends among MSM and compared characteristics of syphilis cases by diagnosis stage.

Methods

We used public health surveillance data on P&S and EL syphilis diagnoses reported to the Baltimore City Health Department between 2009 and 2015. Differences across diagnosis stage were assessed using Cochran-Armitage and χ2 tests.

Results

Between 2009 and 2015, Baltimore City Health Department received 2436 reports of P&S and EL diagnoses. The majority (61%) of reports were among MSM, among whom 86% were black and 67% were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected. During this period, P&S and EL syphilis increased by 85% and 245%, respectively (P < 0.0001). MSM with EL versus P&S syphilis were similarly likely to be Black, more likely to be older (P < 0.05), HIV coinfected (P < 0.001), and diagnosed in private health care settings (P < 0.0001), but less likely to report multiple (P < 0.001) and anonymous sex partners (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In Baltimore City, syphilis diagnoses, particularly EL diagnoses, are increasing rapidly and are concentrated among Black HIV-infected MSM. Significant gaps in identifying MSM with P&S syphilis may exist, specifically among HIV-infected MSM, and those diagnosed in private health care settings. Strategies to address these gaps may include local guidelines and provider education to screen MSM more frequently than CDC currently recommends and regardless of HIV status or risk.
An Assessment of Stereovision Acquired in Adulthood
Authors: Barry Susan R. , Bridgeman Bruce
Published: August 2017

SIGNIFICANCE

Increasing evidence indicates that childhood binocular vision disorders that lead to stereodeficiency may be treated in adulthood. Reports of patients who gain stereopsis as adults indicate that this achievement provides for a qualitatively different and dramatically improved sense of space and depth.

PURPOSE

Increasing evidence suggests that stereopsis can be achieved in adult patients despite long-standing binocular disorders. We polled individuals who gained stereopsis as adults to ascertain their initial binocular disorders, the length of time they were stereodeficient, effective treatments, and the nature of their recovered stereovision.

METHODS

A questionnaire was posted online and announced in a brief article in the journal Vision Development and Rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Of the 63 responders, 56 (89%) reported strabismus and/or amblyopia, and 55 (87%) indicated that they had been stereodeficient for as long as they could remember. All but seven participants (89%) achieved stereovision through vision training or a combination of surgery and vision training, and many reported vivid visual changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite childhood binocular disorders, patients may be able to achieve stereopsis following interventions in adulthood. This achievement provides for a qualitatively different and dramatically improved sense of space and depth.
Strangulation and Its Role in Multiple Causes of Death
Authors: Hlavaty Leigh , Sung LokMan
Published: August 2017

Forensic pathologists have a duty to determine the cause and manner of death and are bound by international guidelines in the completion of the death certificate. Sometimes, there are complex circumstances surrounding a death that cannot be captured in the structure of the death certificate and its requirement of listing only 1 cause of death per line. Cases may have multiple causes of death with comorbid medical conditions or inflicted injuries that equally contribute to the ultimate demise. Compared with other forms of homicide, autopsy evidence of strangulation will often be found with other life-threatening traumatic injuries. The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office conducted a retrospective study of strangulation cases that came into the office from mid-2007 to the end of 2016. The purpose of the study was to examine patterns of injuries in strangulation cases and identify those with additional traumatic injuries of commensurate extent that required incorporation into the cause of death. A total of 43 strangulation cases were found, of which there were equal numbers of ligature and manual strangulations (19 each) and 5 cases in which the method was not specified, and decedents were divided: 63% female and 37% male. Fourteen of these cases were recognized to have multiple causes of death, where blunt force trauma was the most common additional cause, and the sex distribution weighed heavily toward the female (approximately 79%).
Transarterial Embolization and Transmucosal Sclerotherapy That Led to Successful Deliveries in a Patient With Symptomatic Arteriovenous Malformation of the Tongue
Authors: Fujita Munezumi , Yamamoto Yuhei , Sasaki Satoru , Oyama Akihiko , Funayama Emi , Furukawa Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

Patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are at risk of significant hemorrhage and AVMs are especially difficult to manage in those desiring future pregnancy. Few patients with successful deliveries have been previously reported.

The authors report an unusual case of AVM of the tongue in a pregnant woman who presented with massive pulsatile bleeding from a ruptured artery in the tongue in late gestation, this was thought to be caused by the changes in hormonal balance and the increase in cardiac output. The bleeding was controlled with transarterial embolization and transmucosal absolute ethanol sclerotherapy. Furthermore, her second and third deliveries were successfully managed.

The authors managed symptomatic tongue AVM by combining transarterial embolization and transmucosal sclerotherapy, which was followed by successful deliveries. This patient supports the utility of transmucosal absolute ethanol sclerotherapy for tongue AVM and multidisciplinary medical care for a successful delivery.
Reading chromatin signatures after DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Wilson Marcus D. , Durocher Daniel
Published: August 2017

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are DNA lesions that must be accurately repaired in order to preserve genomic integrity and cellular viability. The response to DSBs reshapes the local chromatin environment and is largely orchestrated by the deposition, removal and detection of a complex set of chromatin-associated post-translational modifications. In particular, the nucleosome acts as a central signalling hub and landing platform in this process by organizing the recruitment of repair and signalling factors, while at the same time coordinating repair with other DNA-based cellular processes. While current research has provided a descriptive overview of which histone marks affect DSB repair, we are only beginning to understand how these marks are interpreted to foster an efficient DSB response. Here we review how the modified chromatin surrounding DSBs is read, with a focus on the insights gleaned from structural and biochemical studies.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
ATM-dependent pathways of chromatin remodelling and oxidative DNA damage responses
Authors: Berger N. Daniel , Stanley Fintan K. T. , Moore Shaun , Goodarzi Aaron A.
Published: August 2017

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a serine/threonine protein kinase with a master regulatory function in the DNA damage response. In this role, ATM commands a complex biochemical network that signals the presence of oxidative DNA damage, including the dangerous DNA double-strand break, and facilitates subsequent repair. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding ATM-dependent chromatin remodelling and epigenomic alterations that are required to maintain genomic integrity in the presence of DNA double-strand breaks and/or oxidative stress. We will focus particularly on the roles of ATM in adjusting nucleosome spacing at sites of unresolved DNA double-strand breaks within complex chromatin environments, and the impact of ATM on preserving the health of cells within the mammalian central nervous system.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
DNA repair goes hip-hop: SMARCA and CHD chromatin remodellers join the break dance
Authors: Rother Magdalena B. , van Attikum Haico
Published: August 2017

Proper signalling and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) is critical to prevent genome instability and diseases such as cancer. The packaging of DNA into chromatin, however, has evolved as a mere obstacle to these DSB responses. Posttranslational modifications and ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling help to overcome this barrier by modulating nucleosome structures and allow signalling and repair machineries access to DSBs in chromatin. Here we recap our current knowledge on how ATP-dependent SMARCA- and CHD-type chromatin remodellers alter chromatin structure during the signalling and repair of DSBs and discuss how their dysfunction impacts genome stability and human disease.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
Bromodomain proteins: repairing DNA damage within chromatin
Authors: Chiu Li-Ya , Gong Fade , Miller Kyle M.
Published: August 2017

Genome surveillance and repair, termed the DNA damage response (DDR), functions within chromatin. Chromatin-based DDR mechanisms sustain genome and epigenome integrity, defects that can disrupt cellular homeostasis and contribute to human diseases. An important chromatin DDR pathway is acetylation signalling which is controlled by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, which regulate acetylated lysines within proteins. Acetylated proteins, including histones, can modulate chromatin structure and provide molecular signals that are bound by acetyl-lysine binders, including bromodomain (BRD) proteins. Acetylation signalling regulates several DDR pathways, as exemplified by the preponderance of HATs, HDACs and BRD proteins that localize at DNA breaks to modify chromatin for lesion repair. Here, we explore the involvement of acetylation signalling in the DDR, focusing on the involvement of BRD proteins in promoting chromatin remodelling to repair DNA double-strand breaks. BRD proteins have widespread DDR functions including chromatin remodelling, chromatin modification and transcriptional regulation. We discuss mechanistically how BRD proteins read acetylation signals within chromatin to trigger DDR and chromatin activities to facilitate genome–epigenome maintenance. Thus, DDR pathways involving BRD proteins represent key participants in pathways that preserve genome–epigenome integrity to safeguard normal genome and cellular functions.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
Transcription-associated events affecting genomic integrity
Authors: Sebastian Robin , Oberdoerffer Philipp
Published: August 2017

Accurate maintenance of genomic as well as epigenomic integrity is critical for proper cell and organ function. Continuous exposure to DNA damage is, thus, often associated with malignant transformation and degenerative diseases. A significant, chronic threat to genome integrity lies in the process of transcription, which can result in the formation of potentially harmful RNA : DNA hybrid structures (R-loops) and has been linked to DNA damage accumulation as well as dynamic chromatin reorganization. In sharp contrast, recent evidence suggests that active transcription, the resulting transcripts as well as R-loop formation can play multi-faceted roles in maintaining and restoring genome integrity. Here, we will discuss the emerging contributions of transcription as both a source of DNA damage and a mediator of DNA repair. We propose that both aspects have significant implications for genome maintenance, and will speculate on possible long-term consequences for the epigenetic integrity of transcribing cells.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
Genome maintenance functions of the INO80 chromatin remodeller
Authors: Morrison Ashby J.
Published: August 2017

Chromatin modification is conserved in all eukaryotes and is required to facilitate and regulate DNA-templated processes. For example, chromatin manipulation, such as histone post-translational modification and nucleosome positioning, play critical roles in genome stability pathways. The INO80 chromatin-remodelling complex, which regulates the abundance and positioning of nucleosomes, is particularly important for proper execution of inducible responses to DNA damage. This review discusses the participation and activity of the INO80 complex in DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint pathways, with emphasis on theSaccharomyces cerevisiaemodel system. Furthermore, the role of ATM/ATR kinases, central regulators of DNA damage signalling, in the regulation of INO80 function will be reviewed. In addition, emerging themes of chromatin remodelling in mitotic stability pathways and chromosome segregation will be introduced. These studies are critical to understanding the dynamic chromatin landscape that is rapidly and reversibly modified to maintain the integrity of the genome.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
The INO80 remodeller in transcription, replication and repair
Authors: Poli Jérôme , Gasser Susan M. , Papamichos-Chronakis Manolis
Published: August 2017

The accessibility of eukaryotic genomes to the action of enzymes involved in transcription, replication and repair is maintained despite the organization of DNA into nucleosomes. This access is often regulated by the action of ATP-dependent nucleosome remodellers. The INO80 class of nucleosome remodellers has unique structural features and it is implicated in a diverse array of functions, including transcriptional regulation, DNA replication and DNA repair. Underlying these diverse functions is the catalytic activity of the main ATPase subunit, which in the context of a multisubunit complex can shift nucleosomes and carry out histone dimer exchange.
In vitro
studies showed that INO80 promotes replication fork progression on a chromatin template, while
in vivo
it was shown to facilitate replication fork restart after stalling and to help evict RNA polymerase II at transcribed genes following the collision of a replication fork with transcription. More recent work in yeast implicates INO80 in the general eviction and degradation of nucleosomes following high doses of oxidative DNA damage. Beyond these replication and repair functions, INO80 was shown to repress inappropriate transcription at promoters in the opposite direction to the coding sequence. Here we discuss the ways in which INO80's diverse functions help maintain genome integrity.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
And yet, it moves: nuclear and chromatin dynamics of a heterochromatic double-strand break
Authors: Caridi P. Christopher , Delabaere Laetitia , Zapotoczny Grzegorz , Chiolo Irene
Published: August 2017

Heterochromatin is mostly composed of repeated DNA sequences prone to aberrant recombination. How cells maintain the stability of these sequences during double-strand break (DSB) repair has been a long-standing mystery. Studies inDrosophilacells revealed that faithful homologous recombination repair of heterochromatic DSBs relies on the striking relocalization of repair sites to the nuclear periphery before Rad51 recruitment and repair progression. Here, we summarize our current understanding of this response, including the molecular mechanisms involved, and conserved pathways in mammalian cells. We will highlight important similarities with pathways identified in budding yeast for repair of other types of repeated sequences, including rDNA and short telomeres. We will also discuss the emerging role of chromatin composition and regulation in heterochromatin repair progression. Together, these discoveries challenged previous assumptions that repair sites are substantially static in multicellular eukaryotes, that heterochromatin is largely inert in the presence of DSBs, and that silencing and compaction in this domain are obstacles to repair.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.
Inhibition of Intracellular Lipolysis Promotes Cancer Cell Adaptation to Hypoxia
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Saarinen Alicia M. , Hitosugi Taro , Wang Zhenghe , Wang Liguo , Ho Thai H. , Liu Jun
Published: August 2017

Tumor tissues are chronically exposed to hypoxia owing to aberrant vascularity. Lipid droplet (LD) accumulation is a hallmark of hypoxic cancer cells, yet how LDs form and function during hypoxia remains poorly understood. Herein, we report that in various cancer cells upon oxygen deprivation, HIF-1 activation down-modulates LD catabolism mediated by adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the key enzyme for intracellular lipolysis. Proteomics and functional analyses identified hypoxia-inducible gene 2 (HIG2), a HIF-1 target, as a new inhibitor of ATGL. Knockout of HIG2 enhanced LD breakdown and fatty acid (FA) oxidation, leading to increased ROS production and apoptosis in hypoxic cancer cells as well as impaired growth of tumor xenografts. All of these effects were reversed by co-ablation of ATGL. Thus, by inhibiting ATGL, HIG2 acts downstream of HIF-1 to sequester FAs in LDs away from the mitochondrial pathways for oxidation and ROS generation, thereby sustaining cancer cell survival in hypoxia.
A partial name prefix merging and shortening for name lookup in named data networking
Authors: Hsu Jenq-Muh , Chang Jui-Yang , Wang Chih-Hung
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Named Data Networking (NDN) is a content-centric network differing from the traditional IP-based network. It adopts the name prefix to identify, query and route the information content instead of IP-based addressing and routing. NDN provides a convenient way to access the content without knowing the originated location of the requested information. However, the length of name prefix varies. It is not like the fixed-length IP addresses that makes handling queries or searching the requested information in NDN easier. An efficient name lookup mechanism of name prefix will efficiently increase the performance of prefix identifying, name searching and content retrieving. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a partial name prefix merging and shortening scheme for enhancing the efficiency of name lookup in NDN.

Design/methodology/approach

To reduce the work involved in name prefix identifying, querying, storing and routing, this work adopts a cyclic redundancy check-based encoding scheme to shorten the variable length of the name prefix into a proper and fixed length of encoded numerical information. In fact, the structure of a name prefix is presented in a combination of word segments with the slash symbol. The shortening procedure of name prefix can also be applied to adjacent word segments forming fixed-length encoded data for further efficiently matching the name prefix for name lookup in NDN.

Findings

The experimental results show that the shorter length of encoded name prefix can effectively reduce the access time of name lookup and increasingly retrieve the corresponding named content in NDN. Through partial merging and shortening of name prefix, the length of encoded prefix name may be larger than the whole encoding of name prefix. It retains the information differences from different parts of various name prefixes. Thus, it can avoid collision problems with the same encoded information from various name prefixes.

Originality/value

From the experimental results, it is observed that partial merging and shortening of name prefix is useful for name look up in NDN. It can increase the efficiency of name prefix matching and retrieving in NDN. It can also save memory space to store the name prefix in an NDN node.
Gender effects on impulse buying behavior
Authors: Prakash Gyan , Sahney Sangeeta , Kodati Soujanya , Shrivastava Archana
Published: August 2017

Subject area

Choice Behavior.

Study level/applicability

The case study deals with cross-gender analysis of impulse buying behavior in apparel shopping in India. Any extrapolation of this study to other markets should take into account that Indian consumers are price sensitive. The buying behavior in apparel shopping may not be directly related to other retail categories such as ready-to-eat food, consumer electronics, etc.

Case overview

Mr Khuswant Chaddha’s family business is in tatters. Market dynamics have changed over the years and his textile mill is no longer the cash cow it once was. His son, Gaurav Chaddha, a recent engineering graduate, plans to save the business by venturing into branded apparel retailing. A key component of this strategy is to figure out impulse shopping behavior in apparel purchases. The gender angle is used to better comprehend the differences in impulse buying emotions so that males and females can be targeted with greater success. A survey of shoppers belonging to suitable demographics is used as the backbone of this study. The analysis of the data presents several dilemmas in some critical business decisions.

Expected learning outcomes

The objectives of the case include: understanding how marketplaces change over time; realizing the fact that businesses should evolve over time and even highly profitable business models can become obsolete pretty fast; studying the factors which influence the choice of an apparel store; understanding impulse buying behavior and how gender plays a decisive role in it and analyzing post purchase behavior with respect to gender.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Analytical and numerical study on convection of nanofluid past a moving wedge with Soret and Dufour effects
Authors: Md Kasmani Ruhaila , Sivasankaran S. , Bhuvaneswari M. , Hussein Ahmed Kadhim
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Soret and Dufour effects on the double-diffusive convective boundary layer flow of a nanofluid past a moving wedge in the presence of suction.

Design/methodology/approach

The similarity transformation is applied to convert the governing nonlinear partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. Then, they are solved numerically by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta–Gill method along with the shooting technique and the Newton–Raphson method. In addition, the ordinary differential equations are also analytically solved by the homotopy analysis method.

Findings

The results for dimensionless velocity, temperature, solutal concentration and nanoparticle volume fraction profiles, as well as local skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt and local Sherwood numbers are presented through the plots for various combinations of pertinent parameters involved in the study. The heat transfer rate increases on increasing the Soret parameter and it decreases on increasing the Dufour parameter. The mass transfer behaves oppositely to heat transfer.

Practical implication

In engineering applications, a wedge is used to hold objects in place, such as engine parts in the gate valves. A gate valve is the valve that opens by lifting a wedge-shaped disc to control the timing and quantity of fluid flow into an engine.

Originality/value

No such investigation is available in literature, and therefore, the results obtained are novel.
Rotating flow of Oldroyd-B fluid over stretchable surface with Cattaneo – Christov heat flux
Authors: Mustafa M. , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the heat transfer effects on the stretched flow of Oldroyd-B fluid in a rotating frame. Cattaneo–Christov heat conduction model is considered, which accounts for the influence of thermal relaxation time.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on scale analysis, the usual boundary layer approximations are used to simplify the governing equations. The equations so formed have been reduced to self-similar forms by similarity transformations. A powerful analytic approach, namely, homotopy analysis method (HAM), has been applied to present uniformly convergent solutions for velocity and temperature profiles.

Findings

Suitable values of the so-called auxiliary parameter in HAM are obtained by plotting h-curves. The results show that boundary layer thickness has an inverse relation with fluid relaxation time. The rotation parameter gives resistance to the momentum transport and enhances fluid temperature. Thermal boundary layer becomes thinner when larger values of thermal relaxation time are chosen.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to study the three-dimensional rotating flow and heat transfer of Oldroyd-B fluid.
Numerical study of surface radiation and combined natural convection heat transfer in a solar cavity receiver
Authors: Milani Shirvan Kamel , Mamourian Mojtaba , Mirzakhanlari Soroush , Rahimi A.B. , Ellahi R.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the numerical solutions of surface radiation and combined natural convection heat transfer in a solar cavity receiver. The paper aims to discuss sundry issues that take place in the said model.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical solutions are developed by means of second-order upwind scheme using the SIMPLE algorithm.

Findings

The effects of physical factors such as Rayleigh number (104 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), inclination angels of insulated walls (0º ≤ θ ≤ 10º) and the wall surface emissivity (0 ≤ ε ≤ 1) on natural convection-surface radiation heat transfer rate are analyzed. Impact of sundry parameters on flow quantities are discussed and displayed via graphs and tables. Stream lines and isothermal lines have also been drawn in the region of cavity. The numerical results reveal that increasing the Rayleigh number, wall surface emissivity and inclination angels of insulated walls in an open cavity enhances the mean total Nusselt number. The variations of the surface radiation and natural convection heat transfer mean Nusselt numbers are very small to the inclination angle of θ, while a significant change is noted for the case of Rayleigh number and emissivity.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this model is reported for the first time.
Application of the Delphi technique in healthcare maintenance
Authors: Njuangang Stanley , Liyanage Champika , Akintoye Akintola
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the research design, issues and considerations in the application of the Delphi technique to identify, refine and rate the critical success factors and performance measures in maintenance-associated infections.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth literature review through the application of open and axial coding were applied to formulate the interview and research questions. These were used to conduct an exploratory case study of two healthcare maintenance managers, randomly selected from two National Health Service Foundation Trusts in England. The results of exploratory case study provided the rationale for the application of the Delphi technique in this research. The different processes in the application of the Delphi technique in healthcare research are examined thoroughly.

Findings

This research demonstrates the need to apply and integrate different research methods to enhance the validity of the Delphi technique. The rationale for the application of the Delphi technique in this research is because some healthcare maintenance managers lack knowledge about basic infection control (IC) principles to make hospitals safe for patient care. The result of first round of the Delphi exercise is a useful contribution in its own rights. It identified a number of salient issues and differences in the opinions of the Delphi participants, noticeably between healthcare maintenance managers and members of the infection control team. It also resulted in useful suggestions and comments to improve the quality and presentation of the second- and third-round Delphi instruments.

Practical implications

This research provides a research methodology that can be adopted by researchers investigating new and emerging issues in the healthcare sector. As this research demonstrates, the Delphi technique is relevant in soliciting expert knowledge and opinion to identify performance measures to control maintenance-associated infections in hospitals. The methodology provided here could be applied by other researchers elsewhere to probe, investigate and generate rich information about new and emerging healthcare research topics.

Originality/value

The authors demonstrate how different research methods can be integrated to enhance the validity of the Delphi technique. For example, the results of an exploratory case study provided the rationale for the application of the Delphi technique investigating the key performance measures in maintenance-associated infections. The different processes involved in the application of the Delphi technique are also carefully explored and discussed in depth.
Service quality in public health clinics: perceptions of users and health professionals
Authors: Campos Domingos Fernandes , Negromonte Filho Rinaldo Bezerra , Castro Felipe Nalon
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the expectations and quality gaps in services provided at city public health clinics in the city of Natal, Brazil, from the perspective of patients and healthcare service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample consisted of 1,200 patients who used public health services and 265 providers – doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacists and managers at three health clinics in the city of Natal, Brazil. A scale with 25 health service attributes was used in data collection. Summary statistics and t-test were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that the providers think that users have lower levels of expectations than those indicated by the users in all attributes. Providers and users have the most approximate insights into what attributes are considered most important: explanations, level of knowledge and attention dispensed by health professionals. Users and providers perceived similar quality gaps for most of the attributes. The gaps were statistically the same, when comparing the mean quality shortcomings by means of a Student’s test, considering a significance level of 5 percent, obtained independently by the manifestation of users and providers.

Research limitations/implications

The results reveal only a photograph of the moment. The study did not consider the differences that may exist between groups with different income levels, genders or age groups. A qualitative study could improve the understanding of the differences and coincidences of the diverse points of views. A more advanced research could even study possibilities so that health managers could promote changes in the service, some of them low cost, as the health professionals training for contact with patients.

Practical implications

The evaluation of the service quality complemented by the matrix of opportunities, importance × quality gaps generates information to help make decisions in the rational allocation of available resources and improvement of the quality of the service delivered to patients. Besides, it offers a focus to prioritize specific actions.

Originality/value

It is important to compare the perceptions of service quality between patients and the healthcare service providers who work in direct contact with them. The managers can smooth out these differences and ensure, over time, customer satisfaction. In this study, providers were asked to express what they think about the expectations of patients and about their own service performance delivered. Thus, not only the traditional gap 5 was measured, but it was also possible to evaluate the distance between what providers think that patients need and their actual needs.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the breast size satisfaction scale
Authors: Pahlevan Sharif Saeed
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and evaluate psychometrically an instrument named the Breast Size Satisfaction Scale (BSSS) to assess breast size satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The present scale was developed using a set of 16 computer-generated 3D images of breasts to overcome some of the limitations of existing instruments. The images were presented to participants and they were asked to select the figure that most accurately depicted their actual breast size and the figure that most closely represented their ideal breast size. Breast size satisfaction was computed by subtracting the absolute value of the difference between ideal and actual perceived size from 16, such that higher values indicate greater breast size satisfaction.

Findings

Study 1 (n=65 female undergraduate students) showed good test-retest reliability and study 2 (n=1,000 Iranian women, aged 18 years and above) provided support for convergent validity using a nomological network approach.

Originality/value

The BSSS demonstrated good psychometric properties and thus can be used in future studies to assess breast size satisfaction among women.