bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grassroots to Global
Authors: Nelson-Brantley Heather V. , David Bailey K. , Batcheller Joyce , Bernard Noreen , Caramanica Laura , Snow Francine
Published: February 2019

The 2018 International Nursing Administration Research Conference, Grassroots to Global, was held in Atlanta, Georgia, with attendees from 38 US states, Canada, and China. Presenters discussed the need for nurse leaders to be prepared to partner with those inside and outside of healthcare to create innovative, interprofessional care delivery models; advocate for advancements in technology to address healthcare access shortages; and lead new areas of research that can drive policy change to support nurse leaders in long-term care and the essential role of the nurse manager in creating optimal practice environments for quality outcomes. This article will report on these important insights.
The Incidence of Workplace Bullying and Related Environmental Factors Among Nurse Managers
Authors: Parchment Joy , Andrews Diane
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to explore relationships between authentic leadership style, global social power, job demand, job control, and workplace bullying of nurse managers in acute care settings across the United States.

BACKGROUND

Consequences of workplace bullying are linked to intent to leave, turnover, and harmful emotional and physical effects.

METHODS

An explorative, descriptive, cross-sectional design using an online survey was utilized.

RESULTS

Thirty-five percent of nurse managers reported being a target of workplace bullying with severity levels ranging from occasional to severe. Executive nurse leaders were identified as the primary perpetrator with the downward direction recognized as most prominent.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse managers are recipients of workplace bullying emanating from executive nurse leaders, clinical nurses, and their nurse manager peers.
Epithelioid Vascular Tumors: A Review
Authors: Shon Wonwoo , Billings Steven D.
Published: February 2019

Vascular tumors are a diagnostically challenging area. This is particularly true in the case of epithelioid vascular tumors. Not only is the distinction between different epithelioid vascular tumors challenging, but also the differential diagnosis may be substantially expanded by the inclusion of melanoma, carcinomas, and other epithelioid soft tissue tumors. Recently developed immunohistochemical markers and more comprehensive genetic characterizations continue to advance our understanding of epithelioid vascular tumors. The present paper briefly reviews and updates basic concepts with regard to the following epithelioid vascular tumors: epithelioid hemangioma, epithelioid angiomatous nodule, pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma, composite hemangioendothelioma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and epithelioid angiosarcoma.
Misinterpreted Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Salivary Gland
Authors: Xu Bin , Mneimneh Wadad , Torrence Dianne E. , Higgins Kevin , Klimstra David , Ghossein Ronald , Katabi Nora
Published: February 2019

Myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) is an underrecognized challenging entity with a broad morphologic spectrum. Misinterpreting MECA is not uncommon as distinguishing it from its mimics, especially cellular myoepithelial-rich pleomorphic adenoma (PA), can be difficult. We described 21 histologically challenging cases of MECAs (16 MECA ex-PA and 5 MECA de novo). All MECAs ex-PA were intracapsular or minimally invasive except for 3 cases. Eighteen (86%) were initially misinterpreted as benign neoplasms, including PA (10), atypical PA (5), and myoepithelioma (3). The remaining 3 were initially diagnosed as malignant (MECA ex-PA) but were histologically challenging. Histologic features that were found most helpful in recognizing the malignant nature of MECA included: uniformly cellular myoepithelial proliferation with an expansile nodular lobulated pattern (all cases) and alternate hypocellular and hypercellular zonal distribution (76% of cases). Among the 16 MECA patients with follow-up, 14 (87.5%) progressed: 10 developed local recurrence and 5 distant metastases. In contrast, only one of 33 patients with cellular PA (control group) recurred locally. Ten of the 14 MECAs that progressed were MECA ex-PA, and 12 (85%) had an initial benign diagnosis. Two patients with MECA ex-PA died of their disease; one had an initial diagnosis of PA. MECA is a histologically challenging entity that closely mimics PA and seems to carry a significant risk of recurrence. Areas of clonal appearing cellular myoepithelial growth with an expansile nodular lobulated pattern and zonal cellular distribution distinguish the majority of MECAs and may serve as useful diagnostic histologic features to differentiate MECA from its benign mimics.
UV Signature Mutations Reclassify Salivary High-grade Neuroendocrine Carcinomas as Occult Metastatic Cutaneous Merkel Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Sun Lulu , Cliften Paul F. , Duncavage Eric J. , Lewis James S. , Chernock Rebecca D.
Published: February 2019

Salivary high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are rare, occur predominantly in the parotid gland, and are difficult to differentiate from metastatic cutaneous Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs), which have overlapping morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular profiles. Oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), found in 70% to 80% of MCCs, has also been reported in a few salivary NECs, but this is controversial. A promising biomarker to distinguish the 2 tumor types are UV signature mutations. UV signature mutations indicate a sun damage-induced mechanism of pathogenesis and recently have been found to be highly prevalent in MCPyV-negative MCCs but would be inconsistent with salivary origin. Here, we examine UV signature mutations as a molecular marker to distinguish primary salivary high-grade NEC from MCC. Whole exome DNA sequencing was performed on matched tumor-normal tissue from 4 MCPyV-negative high-grade salivary NECs with no other primary source identified, as well as 3 melanomas and 3 lung NECs as positive and negative controls, respectively. UV signature mutations were found in all salivary NECs, when defined as ≥60% of total mutations being C-to-T transitions at dipyrimidine sites, and when compared with known human cancer-related mutational signatures. The presence of UV signature mutations in salivary high-grade NECs strongly favors these to be occult metastatic MCCs. True salivary primary NECs are likely exceedingly rare. When a high-grade NEC is encountered in the salivary gland, the presence of UV signature mutations or MCPyV may be useful to exclude occult unknown primary MCC.
Estimating Childhood Obesity Prevalence in Communities Through Multi-institutional Data Sharing
Authors: Daley Matthew F. , Barrow Jennifer C. , Tabano David C. , Reifler Liza M. , Kraus Emily M. , Davies Sara Deakyne , Williford Devon L. , White Benjamin , Shupe Alyson , Davidson Arthur J.
Published: February 2019

Context:

Although local childhood obesity prevalence estimates would be valuable for planning and evaluating obesity prevention efforts in communities, these data are often unavailable.

Objective:

The primary objective was to create a multi-institutional system for sharing electronic health record (EHR) data to produce childhood obesity prevalence estimates at the census tract level. A secondary objective was to adjust obesity prevalence estimates to population demographic characteristics.

Design/Setting/Participants:

The study was set in Denver County, Colorado. Six regional health care organizations shared EHR-derived data from 2014 to 2016 with the state health department for children and adolescents 2 to 17 years of age. The most recent height and weight measured during routine care were used to calculate body mass index (BMI); obesity was defined as BMI of 95th percentile or more for age and sex. Census tract location was determined using residence address. Race/ethnicity was imputed when missing, and obesity prevalence estimates were adjusted by sex, age group, and race/ethnicity.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Adjusted obesity prevalence estimates, overall, by demographic characteristics and by census tract.

Results:

BMI measurements were available for 89 264 children and adolescents in Denver County, representing 73.9% of the population estimate from census data. Race/ethnicity was missing for 4.6%. The county-level adjusted childhood obesity prevalence estimate was 13.9% (95% confidence interval, 13.6-14.1). Adjusted obesity prevalence was higher among males, those 12 to 17 years of age, and those of Hispanic race/ethnicity. Adjusted obesity prevalence varied by census tract (range, 0.4%-24.7%). Twelve census tracts had an adjusted obesity prevalence of 20% or more, with several contiguous census tracts with higher childhood obesity occurring in western areas of the city.

Conclusions:

It was feasible to use a system of multi-institutional sharing of EHR data to produce local childhood obesity prevalence estimates. Such a system may provide useful information for communities when implementing obesity prevention programs.
Leveraging Informatics to Identify Reportable Cases: Pilot Findings on Electronic Case Reporting of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Authors: Mishra Ninad K. , Jellison James B. , Hamilton Andrew , Carr Jeremy B. , Padilla Roxane M. , Viator Natalie A.
Published: February 2019

Consensus-based technical guidance for electronic case reporting (eCR) of sexually transmitted infections was implemented within existing health information technologies to automatically detect chlamydia and gonorrhea cases based on diagnosis and laboratory observation codes and build a case report using industry standards. The process was evaluated using 12 420 ambulatory encounters among adolescents and adults 15 years and older seen at 8 Chicago-area community health centers between May 1 and June 30, 2017. We tabulated the frequency of matches between the case detection logic and patient data and compared the eCR identified cases with paper case reports. This study found that eCR increased provider reporting when compared with paper reporting alone. While additional work across stakeholder groups is needed, these early findings suggest that broadly adopted eCR will decrease both provider and public health burden while improving reporting timeliness and data completion to support case investigation.
The Cognitive Profile of Children with Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Kljajić Marizela , Maltese Giovanni , Tarnow Peter , Sand Peter , Kölby Lars
Published: February 2019

Background:

Long-term neuropsychological and cognitive outcomes in patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis have proven difficult to evaluate objectively because of methodologic problems with published studies based on their small and biased samples of patients, wide age ranges, and testing with unacceptable psychometric properties. This study evaluated the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient and its subscales in a cohort with a small selection bias.

Methods:

Patients aged 7 to 16 years, born with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and surgically treated, were tested using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition. Ninety-one patients were invited, and 73 patients were tested.

Results:

There was no difference in Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient score between patients who had undergone operations for sagittal synostosis or metopic synostosis and norms provided by the test. Patients operated on for sagittal synostosis showed a significantly higher perceptual reasoning intelligence quotient, but also significantly lower working-memory intelligence quotient and processing-speed intelligence quotient compared with the norms. Patients operated on for metopic synostosis showed no differences in any intelligence quotient index compared with the norm. In addition, attrition analysis showed no differences in background factors between responders and nonresponders.

Conclusions:

These results derived from a group of patients with uniform age range, and tested using an established tool, revealed that nonsyndromic children having undergone surgery for craniosynostosis exhibited average intellectual ability. However, the analysis indicated possible issues with working memory and processing speed in patients operated on for sagittal synostosis, highlighting impairments potentially associated with neuropsychological problems and that might contribute to learning disabilities.
Locoregional Cancer Recurrence after Breast Reconstruction: Detection, Management, and Secondary Reconstructive Strategies
Authors: Mirzabeigi Michael N. , Rhemtulla Irfan A. , Mcdonald Elizabeth S. , Sataloff Dahlia M. , Kovach Stephen J. , Wu Liza C. , Serletti Joseph M. , Kanchwala Suhail
Published: February 2019

Background:

Locoregional recurrence of the previously reconstructed breast poses a diagnostic and operative challenge. This study examines detection, management, and reconstructive strategies of locoregional recurrence following postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

Methods:

A retrospective review of records was performed on patients treated within the health system for breast cancer from January of 2000 to July of 2014. Of these patients, descriptive factors and operative details were collected for those that developed locoregional recurrence. Subsequent reconstructive operations were also examined. Using a multidisciplinary team, a surveillance/management algorithm was generated.

Results:

A total of 41 patients with locoregional recurrence were identified (mean time to recurrence, 4.6 years). Two- and 5-year survival following locoregional recurrence was 88 percent and 39 percent, respectively. Locoregional recurrence was found to occur in the following tissue planes: subcutaneous (27 percent), subcutaneous/pectoralis (24 percent), chest wall (37 percent), and axillary (12 percent). The most frequent method of detection was patient concern leading to examination. Older age at the time of locoregional recurrence (p = 0.028), increased time to recurrence/detection (p = 0.024), and chemotherapy before locoregional recurrence (p = 0.014) were associated with the need for a secondary salvage flap. Patients who experienced a subcutaneous recurrence were far less likely to undergo a secondary flap (p = 0.011). Factors associated with loss of the index reconstruction included lower body mass index (p = 0.009), pectoralis invasion (p = 0.05), and implant reconstruction (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Detection and management of locoregional recurrence requires appropriate physical examination and imaging. Significant factors associated with failure to salvage the initial reconstruction included body mass index, plane of recurrence, and type of initial reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Brief Report: Clinical Outcomes of Young Black Men Receiving HIV Medical Care in the United States, 2009–2014
Authors: Chowdhury Pranesh , Beer Linda , Shouse R. Luke , Bradley Heather ,   for the Medical Monitoring Project
Published: February 2019

Background:

More than one-quarter of 2016 HIV diagnoses among blacks in the United States occurred among persons aged 15–24 years, and three-quarters were among men. Although the prevalence of viral suppression in all tests in the past 12 months (durable viral suppression) among persons receiving HIV care increased from 58% to 68% during 2009–2013, we do not know whether this same improvement was observed among young black men receiving care.

Methods:

We analyzed the 2009–2014 Medical Monitoring Project data collected from 336 black men aged 18–24 years. We estimated the proportion of young black men receiving HIV care who were prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART), adherent to ART, and durably virally suppressed. We assessed changes in clinical outcomes over time and their association with patient characteristics, health behaviors, and depression.

Results:

During 2009–2014, 80% of young black men receiving HIV care were prescribed ART, 73% were adherent to ART, and 36% had durable viral suppression. There was no significant change in viral suppression over this period. ART prescription and durable viral suppression were significantly higher among those receiving the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program assistance compared with those who did not. Durable viral suppression was significantly lower among those who used drugs compared with those who did not.

Conclusions:

Viral suppression among young black men during 2009–2014 was lower than that among the overall population receiving HIV care in 2013 (36% vs. 68%). Increasing viral suppression is essential to improve health and reduce HIV transmissions in this key population.
Pachymeningitis Demonstrated on Gallium SPECT/CT Scan
Authors: Wong Veronica C. , Yung Grace , Russo Robert , Reddel Stephen W. , Mansberg Robert
Published: February 2019

A 34-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of right-sided headaches associated with photophobia and pulsatile tinnitus. Investigations including lumbar puncture revealed elevated opening CSF pressure, increased protein, and presence of monocytosis consistent with an inflammatory/infective process. Brain MRI showed an area of thickened enhancing dura around the venous sinus posteriorly. 67Ga scintigraphy demonstrated focal intracranial uptake in the posterior occipital region, and biopsy confirmed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate with no granulomas.
A Case of Intramuscular Cryptococcosis Mimicking a Malignant Tumor on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Wang Ling , Zheng Xiangwu , Lin Jie , Tang Kun
Published: February 2019

Intramuscular cryptococcosis is extremely rare. In this case, a 76-year-old man with history of acute myeloid leukemia presented a painful mass in the right upper arm. FDG PET/CT demonstrated a low-density irregular-shaped mass in the triceps muscle of the right upper arm with adjacent bone erosion. The lesion presented with significantly increased activity with an SUVmax of 23.4, which could be misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor. The lesion was confirmed as cryptococcosis by periodic acid–Schiff stain and culture of biopsied specimen. Because cryptococcal infection is treatable, it is important to increase awareness of this hypermetabolic benign lesion in the unusual location.
Hereditary Spherocytosis Presenting as Diffuse Bone Marrow Activation and Splenomegaly on PSMA-Targeted 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT
Authors: Gomez Erin , Tran Phuoc T. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Pomper Martin G. , Gorin Michael A. , Rowe Steven P.
Published: February 2019

We present the case of a 71-year-old man with Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 pT2N0MxR0 adenocarcinoma of the prostate who presented with rising PSA level 16 years after radical prostatectomy. PSMA-targeted 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT was performed, which demonstrated recurrent disease in the prostatectomy bed as well as splenomegaly and mild-diffuse bone marrow activation, consistent with the patient's history of hereditary spherocytosis. We briefly review the clinical characteristics of hereditary spherocytosis, its appearance on molecular imaging studies, the normal biodistribution of 18F-DCFPyL, and the PSMA-RADS scoring system for characterizing findings on PSMA-targeted PET imaging.
99mTc-LLEC Renal Dynamic Scan in a Patient With Pelvic Neuroblastoma
Authors: Konudula Sreenivasa Reddy , L Peethamber , Ponnusamy Madhusudhanan , H Dhanapathi , Pandit Nandini
Published: February 2019

A 5-month-old boy with ultrasonography showing bilateral hydronephrosis, referred for renal scan. On 99mTc-L,L,ethylenedicysteine (99mTc-LLEC) renal scan, tracer blush in flow images in the region of urinary bladder was seen and tumor mass was suspected. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a soft tissue mass in sacrococcygeal region. Histopathological examination of biopsy tissue revealed malignant round cell tumor and immunohistochemistry consistent with neuroblastoma. 131I-MIBG scan revealed uptake in the pelvic mass with no distant metastasis.
Inflammatory Activity of Tumoral Calcinosis in a Patient With Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Gühne Falk , Drescher Robert , Seifert Philipp , Busch Martin , Freesmeyer Martin
Published: February 2019

Unexpected inflammatory activity of tumoral calcinosis periarticular to the shoulders and hips in a man with recurrent fever of unknown origin and dialysis-dependent kidney insufficiency was revealed by FDG PET/CT. In absence of other pathologies, the calcinosis was deemed to be the cause of the fever. An infectious or malignant disease could be ruled out, so further therapeutic steps were enabled.
Autologous Fat Grafting in Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Jones Christine M. , Mackay Donald R.
Published: February 2019

Structural fat grafting is a technically simple procedure that has revolutionized the field of plastic surgery, with applications ranging from tissue regeneration to scar modulation to volume restoration. This technique has found applications in the treatment of cleft lip and palate, where it can be used to fill deficient midfacial volume and treat velopharyngeal insufficiency. In this article, the authors summarize the current literature supporting the use of fat grafting in patients with clefts. Evidence as to the safety, efficacy, longevity, and potential complications of the technique are discussed.
Atypical Intracranial Compound Simil Odontoma
Authors: Rayes Alexandre , Munerato Marcelo Salles , Costa Beethoven Estevao , Ribeiro-Júnior Paulo Domingos , Cardoso Camila Lopes
Published: February 2019

Odontoma is the most common mixed epithelial and mesenchymal tumour-like malformation which affects maxillary bones. Clinically, Odontomas present as lesions of benign behavior, causing little or no deformity, are asymptomatic, with self-limited growth and usually detected on routine radiographs. Radiographically, they are radiopaque lesions, well-demarcated surrounded by a thin soft tissue capsule. Compound odontomas consist of numerous tooth-like structures, whereas in complex odontomas it consists of a disorganized mass of calcified tissue. The aim of this article was to report an atypical case of intracranial compound odontoma, in the middle cranial fossa, reaching the sphenoidal sinus, which has been followed for 10 years.
Liver Transplantation for Recurrent Cholangitis From Von Meyenburg Complexes
Authors: Panda Nikhil , Brackett Diane , Eymard Corey , Kawai Tatsuo , Markmann James , Kotton Camille N. , Andersson Karin , Yeh Heidi
Published: February 2019

Von Meyenburg complexes, or multiple biliary hamartomas, are often asymptomatic lesions incidentally discovered during abdominal or hepatic imaging. The presentation of clinically significant Von Meyenburg complexes ranges from cholestasis and self-limited episodes of cholangitis to malignant degeneration into cholangiocarcinoma. In cases of persistent or recurrent cholangitis, treatment is a significant challenge. Definitive source control with liver transplantation, as in other cases of cholestatic liver disease, may be necessary.
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Incapable Patients Refusing Treatment
Authors: Besse Matthias , Methfessel Isabel , Simon Alfred , Wille Claudia , Zilles David
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Severe psychiatric disorders may be accompanied by life-threatening conditions, lack of insight, and treatment refusal. Involuntary treatment may be indicated in patients who lack capacity to consent and refuse treatment. In this context, there is a lack of systematic data regarding the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Germany.

Methods

A questionnaire with 25 items comprising quantitative and qualitative data was sent to all psychiatric hospitals in Germany that perform ECT. Cases of ECT treatment in incapable patients refusing therapy were identified retrospectively in a 12-month period.

Results

Fifty-three hospitals completed the questionnaire, and 15 cases of ECT in incapable and refusing patients were reported. A marked clinical response was observed in 14 patients. Capacity to consent was restored in 11 patients. In contrast to this particularly good effectiveness, psychiatrists' attitudes revealed a widespread lack of experience as well as reservations and uncertainties regarding the use of ECT against the patient's wishes.

Conclusions

In line with other recent publications, our data suggest a very good benefit-to-risk ratio for ECT in incapable patients refusing the treatment, while at the same time the provision of ECT in such patients is rare in Germany. In light of the scarcity of treatment alternatives and the possible consequences of a refusal to perform ECT in life-threatening conditions, a general rejection of involuntary ECT does not seem ethically appropriate.
Mammalian orthoreovirusinfection is enhanced in cells pre-treated with sodium arsenite
Authors: Lutz Michael M. , Worth Megan P. , Hinchman Meleana M. , Parker John S. L. , Ledgerwood Emily D.
Published: February 2019

Following reovirus infection, cells activate stress responses that repress canonical cellular translation as a mechanism to limit production of progeny virions. This includes the formation of stress granules (SG) that sequester translationally-stalled cellular transcripts, translation initiation factors, ribosomal proteins, and RNA binding proteins until conditions improve and translation can resume. Work by others suggests that these cellular stress responses, which are part of the integrated stress response, may benefit rather than repress reovirus replication. In agreement with this, we report that stressing cells prior to infection with sodium arsenite (SA), a robust inducer of SG and activator of eIF2α kinases, enhanced viral protein expression, percent infectivity and viral titer in SA-treated cells compared to untreated cells. SA-mediated enhancement of reovirus replication was not strain-specific, but was cell-type specific. While pre-treatment of cells with SA offered the greatest enhancement, treatment of infected cultures as late as 4 h post infection resulted in an increase in the percent of cells infected. SA activates the HRI kinase, which phosphorylates eIF2α and subsequently induces SG formation. Other stresses, such as heat shock (HS) and osmotic shock also activate HRI. Heat shock of cells prior to reovirus infection readily induced SG in greater than 85% of cells. Although HS pre-treatment had no effect on the percentage of infected cells or viral yield, it did enhance viral protein expression. These data suggest that SA pre-treatment perturbs the cell in a way that is beneficial for reovirus and that neither HRI activation nor SG induction is sufficient for reovirus infection enhancement.

SIGNIFICANCE

All viruses rely on the host translational machinery for the synthesis of viral proteins. In response to viral infection, cells activate the integrated stress response resulting in the phosphorylation of eIF2α and translation shutoff. Despite this, reovirus replicates to reduced titers in the absence of this response. In this work, we report that sodium arsenite activation of the integrated stress response prior to virus inoculation enhances virus infectivity, protein expression and titer. Together, these data suggest that modulation of conserved cellular stress responses can alter reovirus replication.
Mouse model of the human serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region
Authors: Piszczek Lukasz , Memoli Simone , Raggioli Angelo , Viosca José , Rientjes Jeanette , Hublitz Philip , Czaban Weronika , Wyrzykowska Anna , Gross Cornelius
Published: February 2019

Genetic factors play a significant role in risk for mood and anxiety disorders. Polymorphisms in genes that regulate the brain monoamine systems, such as catabolic enzymes and transporters, are attractive candidates for being risk factors for emotional disorders given the weight of evidence implicating monoamines involvement in these conditions. Several common genetic variants have been identified in the human serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene, including a repetitive sequence located in the promoter region of the locus called the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTT-LPR). This polymorphism has been associated with a number of mental traits in both humans and primates, including depression, neuroticism, and harm avoidance. Some, but not all studies found a link between the polymorphism and 5-HTT levels, leaving open the question of whether the polymorphism affects risk for mental traits via changes in 5-HTT expression. To investigate the impact of the polymorphism on gene expression, serotonin homeostasis, and behavioural traits we set out to develop a mouse model of the human 5-HTT- LPR. Here we describe the creation and characterization of a set of mouse lines with single copy human transgenes carrying the short and long 5-HTT-LPR variants.
How prolonged expression of Hunchback, a temporal transcription factor, re-wires locomotor circuits
Authors: Meng Julia L. , Marshall Zarion D. , Lobb-Rabe Meike , Heckscher Ellie S.
Published: February 2019

In many CNS regions, neuronal birth timing is associated with circuit membership. In Drosophila larvae, we show U motor neurons are a temporal cohort—a set of non-identical, contiguously-born neurons from a single neuronal stem cell that contribute to the same circuit. We prolong expression of a temporal transcription factor, Hunchback, to increase the number of U motor neurons with early-born molecular identities. On the circuit level, this expands and re-wires the U motor neuron temporal cohort. On the cell biological level, we find novel roles for Hunchback in motor neuron target selection, neuromuscular synapse formation, dendrite morphogenesis, and behavior. These data provide insight into the relationship between stem cell and circuit, show that Hunchback is a potent regulator of circuit assembly, and suggest that temporal transcription factors are molecules that could be altered during evolution or biomedical intervention for the generation of novel circuits.
Body coloration and mechanisms of colour production in Archelosauria: The case of deirocheline turtles
Authors: Brejcha Jindřich , Bataller José Vicente , Bosáková Zuzana , Geryk Jan , Havlíková Martina , Kleisner Karel , Maršík Petr , Font Enrique
Published: February 2019

Animal body coloration is a complex trait resulting from the interplay of multiple colour-producing mechanisms. Increasing knowledge of the functional role of animal coloration stresses the need to study the proximate causes of colour production. Here we present a description of colour and colour producing mechanisms in two non-avian archelosaurs, the freshwater turtles Trachemys scripta and Pseudemys concinna. We compare reflectance spectra; cellular, ultra-, and nano-structure of colour-producing elements; and carotenoid/pteridine derivatives contents in the two species. In addition to xanthophores and melanocytes, we found abundant iridophores which may play a role in integumental colour production. We also found abundant dermal collagen fibres that may serve as thermoprotection but possibly also play role in colour production. The colour of yellow-red skin patches results from an interplay between carotenoids and pteridine derivatives. The two species differ in the distribution of pigment cell types along the dorsoventral head axis, as well as in the diversity of pigments involved in colour production, which may be related to visual signalling. Our results indicate that archelosaurs share some colour production mechanisms with amphibians and lepidosaurs, but also employ novel mechanisms based on the nano-organization of the extracellular protein matrix that they share with mammals.
Effector loading onto VgrG spike proteins is critical for the assembly of the type VI secretion system inAgrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Lien Yun-Wei , Wu Chih-Feng , Bondage Devanand , Lin Jer-Sheng , Shih Yu-Ling , Chang Jeff H. , Lai Erh-Min
Published: February 2019

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is used by many bacteria to engage in social behaviors with others and can directly or indirectly affect the health of plants and animals. Because activities associated with T6SS are often costly, the assembly and activation of the T6SS must be highly regulated. However, our knowledge regarding how T6SS assembly and contraction are regulated remains limited. Here we show that the loading of effectors onto their cognate carriers is critical for the assembly of a functional T6SS inAgrobacterium tumefaciens. A. tumefaciensstrain C58 encodes one T6SS and two Tde DNase toxin effectors used as major weapons for interbacterial competition. We found that loading of Tde effectors onto their cognate carrier, the VgrG spike, is required for active T6SS secretion. Our data also suggest the assembly of the TssBC contractile sheath occurs only after Tde effectors are loaded onto the VgrG spike. The requirement of effector loading for efficient T6SS secretion was also validated in otherA. tumefaciensstrains. Such a mechanism may be used by bacteria as a strategy for efficacious T6SS firing. Given the prevalence of T6SS-encoding loci in host-associated bacteria, these findings inform on mechanisms that influence the composition of microbial communities and the services provided to hosts.
BKV clearance time correlates with exhaustion state and T-cell receptor repertoire shape of BKV-specific T-cells in renal transplant patients
Authors: Stervbo Ulrik , Nienen Mikalai , Weist Benjamin JD , Kuchenbecker Leon , Wehler Patrizia , Westhoff Timm H , Reinke Petra , Babel Nina
Published: February 2019

Reactivation of the BK polyomavirus is known to lead to severe complications in kidney transplant patients. The current treatment strategy relies on decreasing the immunosuppression to allow the immune system to clear the virus. Recently, we demonstrated a clear association between the resolution of BKV reactivation and reconstitution of BKV-specific CD4+ T-cells. However, which factors determine the duration of viral infection clearance remains so far unclear. Here we apply a combination of in-depth multi-parametric flow cytometry and NGS-based CDR3 beta chain receptor repertoire analysis of BKV-specific T-cells to a cohort of 7 kidney transplant patients during the clinical course of BKV reactivation. This way we followed TCR repertoires at single clone levels and functional activity of BKV-specific T-cells during the resolution of BKV infection. The duration of BKV clearance did not depend on the number of peripheral blood BKV-specific T-cells nor on a few immunodominant BKV-specific T-cell clones. Rather, the T-cell receptor repertoire diversity and exhaustion status of BKV-specific T-cells affected the duration of viral clearance: high clonotype diversity and lack of PD1 and TIM3 exhaustion markers on BKV-specific T-cells was associated with short clearance time. Our data thus demonstrate how the diversity and the exhaustion state of the T-cells can determine the clinical course of BKV infection.
Seeing, fast and slow: the effects of processing time on perceptual bias
Authors: Dekel Ron , Sagi Dov
Published: February 2019

Fast and slow decisions exhibit distinct behavioral properties, such as the presence of decision bias in faster but not slower responses. This dichotomy is currently explained by assuming that distinct cognitive processes map to separate brain mechanisms. Here, we suggest an alternative, single-process account based on the stochastic properties of decision processes. Our experimental results show perceptual biases in a variety of tasks (specifically: learned priors, tilt illusion, and tilt aftereffect) that were much reduced with increasing reaction time. To account for this, we consider a simple yet general explanation: prior and noisy decision-related evidence are integrated serially, with evidence and noise accumulating over time (as in the standard drift diffusion model). With time, owing to noise accumulation, the prior effect is predicted to diminish. This illustrates that a clear behavioral separation – presence vs. absence of bias – may reflect a simple stochastic mechanism.

Highlights

Perceptual and decisional biases are reduced in slower decisions.

Simple mechanistic single-process account for slow bias-free decisions.

Signal detection theory criterion is ~zero in decision times>median.
Synthesis and characterization of oral drug delivery, a pH – sensitive silver nanocomposite based on sodium alginate extracted from Sargassum asperifolium collected from Jazan coasts, KSA
Authors: Agili Fatimah. A. , Mohamed Sahera. F.
Published: February 2019

The pH-sensitive nanocomposite composed of sodium alginate/ Pectin/ Tannic acid – silver SA/Pec/TA-Ag was prepared using microwave irradiation and employed as a carrier for Propranolol drug. Physico-chemical characteristics of the prepared systems using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), Dynamic light Scattering instrument (DLS), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). The percentage drug release was 96% at pH 7.4 within 420 min. The drug release data was fitted into different kinetic models included zero order, First order, Higuchi and Ritger-Peppas model. The release mechanism is non-Fickian character where it controlled by diffusion and relaxation of polymer chains. It can be concluded that SA/Pec/TA-Ag nanocomposite is candidate for the oral drug carrier specific for intestinal system and has stability against gastric fluid.
Neutron crystallographic study of heterotrimeric glutamine amidotransferase CAB
Authors: Li Long , Adachi Motoyasu , Yu Jian , Kato Koji , Shinoda Akira , Ostermann Andreas , Schrader Tobias E. , Ose Toyoyuki , Yao Min
Published: February 2019

Heterotrimeric glutamine amidotransferase CAB (GatCAB) possesses an ammonia-self-sufficient mechanism in which ammonia is produced and used in the inner complex by GatA and GatB, respectively. The X-ray structure of GatCAB revealed that the two identified active sites of GatA and GatB are markedly distant, but are connected in the complex by a channel of 30 Å in length. In order to clarify whether ammonia is transferred through this channel in GatCAB by visualizing ammonia, neutron diffraction studies are indispensable. Here, GatCAB crystals were grown to approximate dimensions of 2.8 × 0.8 × 0.8 mm (a volume of 1.8 mm3) with the aid of a polymer using microseeding and macroseeding processes. Monochromatic neutron diffraction data were collected using the neutron single-crystal diffractometer BIODIFF at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Germany. The GatCAB crystals belonged to space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 74.6, b = 94.5, c = 182.5 Å and with one GatCAB complex (molecular mass 119 kDa) in the asymmetric unit. This study represented a challenge in current neutron diffraction technology.
Aspects of the topology of actinide atom substructures in crystal structures and the concept of antiliquid
Authors: Serezhkin Viktor N. , Rogaleva Ekaterina F. , Savchenkov Anton V. , Pushkin Denis V. , Serezhkina Larisa B.
Published: February 2019

Using the parameters of Voronoi–Dirichlet (VD) polyhedra the authors have verified the maximum space-filling principle in substructures constructed of actinide atoms (from thorium to einsteinium) in all crystal structures from the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database (ICSD) and Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). It is shown that most of the actinide atoms in such substructures are surrounded by 14 or 12 neighboring atoms. It was discovered that U substructures with greater than or equal to 20 crystallographically independent U atoms in the unit cell feature 15-faceted VD polyhedra as the most common type. Analogous unimodal distributions of VD polyhedra with maxima at 15 faces are observed for F and H substructures and the model system `ideal gas', which has no order in the arrangement of atoms. This similarity allows one to assume that substructures of crystal structures with greater than or equal to 20 crystallographically independent atoms in the unit cell do not possess short-range (local) order in the mutual arrangement of atoms, but feature long-range order (translational symmetry). Thus, crystalline compounds with such substructures can formally be regarded as `antiliquid', that is the antipode of a liquid, whose structure possesses short-range order but lacks translational symmetry.
The relationship between corporate governance and intellectual capital
Authors: Buallay Amina , Hamdan Allam
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating role of firm size on the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and intellectual capital (IC) efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was a pooled data for three years (2012-2014) for 171 listed firms, resulting in 489 observations.

Findings

The findings revealed that the inclusion of firm size as a moderating variable has influenced positively only the relationship between CG principles and capital employed efficiency (CEE). Further, the finding showed that the two IC components namely, human capital efficiency and structural capital efficiency, tend to be higher with firms that high level of CG adoption. However, CEE tends to be higher with firms that have lower level of CG adoption. Other finding shows that CG index was significant with the three IC components.

Originality/value

Such information will help the stakeholders, investors, decision-makers, regulators, policymakers and scholars to improve their knowledge about IC. Furthermore, it will be useful for firms to place their priorities regarding the internal system and financial plans for effective and efficient use of CG and IC.
Piercing the corporate veil: when LLCs and corporations may be at risk
Authors: Al-Tawil Tareq Na’el
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the available judicial precedence using both the United Arab Emirates and UK laws to bring up a much broader understanding of wrongful and fraudulent trading concepts and provide a critical analysis of potential personal liabilities of directors in the UK and UAE jurisdictions for the acts of fraud and mismanagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper seeks to understand corporate fraud from the aspect of trading. It will take an in-depth look into wrongful trading and fraudulent trading in the UAE and UK jurisdictions while analyzing the punishment for the same. The study will also look at famous cases for the same while seeking to understand the mitigation measures undertaken in various nations across the world.

Findings

The author studies the contents and provisions of the UK Insolvency Act 1986, truly the concepts of wrongful trading and fraudulent trading are not explicitly mentioned in the UAE Law, but the said terms associated with “lifting of corporate veil” are notionally existent under the UAE Federal Law No2/2015, otherwise known as Companies Law (Articles 84 and 162-1), and under the UAE Bankruptcy Law (Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2016), which provides legislation governing trading while the company is insolvent.

Originality/value

In the current paper, the author is keen to examine the available judicial precedence to bring up a much broader understanding of the mentioned concepts and provide a critical analysis of potential personal liabilities of directors in the UK and UAE jurisdictions for the acts of fraud and mismanagement.
Does institutional ownership engagement matter for greater financial performance?
Authors: Panda Brahmadev , Leepsa N.M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Previous empirical evidence scrutinizing the impact of the institutional ownership on the firm performance has produced inconclusive results and mostly concentrated in the developed market. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the ownership engagement by pressure-resistant, pressure-sensitive and foreign institutions on the corporate financial performance in a developing market like India post US financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers a panel data set of 361 Indian listed firms from National Stock Exchange (NSE) 500 index for a period of eight years from financial year (FY) 2008-2009 to FY 2015-2016. The panel data regression (pooled ordinary least square [OLS], fixed-effect [FE] and random-effect [RE]) and simultaneous equation modeling are used by considering the institutional ownership engagement as both exogenous and endogenous variable.

Findings

The test results show that institutional ownership engagement by the pressure-resistant and foreign institution have a robust and positive effect, while ownership engagement by the pressure sensitive institution has an adverse impact on the financial performance of the Indian listed firms.

Research limitations/implications

The findings will boost the monitoring activities of the institutional owners in the developing markets. The investment from pressure-resistant and foreign institutions needs to be augmented in Indian firms to improvise their governance functions and performance.

Originality/value

This research will enrich the governance literature of the developing economies as the studies on institutional ownership engagement are limited in the developing world. Further, this study adds value by capturing two emerging institutional ownership category such as the pressure-resistant and pressure-sensitive, which are still untouched in the Indian context. Next, the consideration of the institutional ownership as both exogenous and endogenous is also novel to the Indian literature.
Cesarean overuse and the culture of care
Authors: White VanGompel Emily , Perez Susan , Datta Avisek , Wang Chi , Cape Valerie , Main Elliott
Published: February 2019

Objective

To assess hospital unit culture and clinician attitudes associated with varying rates of primary cesarean delivery.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Intrapartum nurses, midwives, and physicians recruited from 79 hospitals in California participating in efforts to reduce cesarean overuse.

Study Design

Labor unit culture and clinician attitudes measured using a survey were linked to the California Maternal Data Center for birth outcomes and hospital covariates.

Methods

Association with primary cesarean delivery rates was assessed using multivariate Poisson regression adjusted for hospital covariates.

Principal Findings

1718 respondents from 70 hospitals responded to the Labor Culture Survey. The “Unit Microculture” subscale was strongly associated with primary cesarean rate; the higher a unit scored on 8‐items describing a culture supportive of vaginal birth (eg, nurses are encouraged to spend time in rooms with patients, and doulas are welcomed), the cesarean rate decreased by 41 percent (95% CI = −47 to −35 percent, P < 0.001). Discordant attitudes between nurses and physicians were associated with increased cesarean rates.

Conclusions

Hospital unit culture, clinician attitudes, and consistency between professions are strongly associated with primary cesarean rates. Improvement efforts to reduce cesarean overuse must address culture of care as a key part of the change process.