bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Chromosome Microarray Analysis for the Differential Diagnosis of Low-grade Renal Cell Carcinoma With Clear Cell and Papillary Features
Authors: Pei Jianming , Al-Saleem Tahseen , Uzzo Robert G. , Dulaimi Essel , Testa Joseph R. , Wei Shuanzeng
Published: November 2018

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) are the 2 most common RCCs. However, some RCCs can have both clear cell and papillary features, including clear cell papillary RCC (ccpRCC). They can be a diagnostic challenge in daily practice. Accurate diagnosis of these tumors is important for both patient prognosis and appropriate treatment. Fourteen RCCs with papillary architecture, clear cytoplasm and low Fuhrman grade were analyzed by SNP-based chromosome microarray (CMA). Seven cases had pathologic features of ccpRCC, and all had normal genomic profiles except one that had copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) of chromosome 3 and loss of one copy of the X chromosome. The remaining 7 cases also had papillae and clear cytoplasm. Two of these cases showed losses of chromosome 3 which are typically found in ccRCC. One had a gain of chromosome 7, which is commonly seen in pRCC. The remaining 4 had no alterations of chromosome 3 or 7. However, 3 of these 4 had monosomy 8, which are consistent with RCC with monosomy 8. The remaining case had no copy number alterations. This study shows that low-grade RCC with papillae and clear cell phenotype represents a heterogeneous group, including ccpRCC, ccRCC, pRCC, and RCC with monosomy 8. CMA analysis can be useful for the differential diagnosis of these neoplasms.
Pursuing Public Health Accreditation: A Focus on HOW
Authors: Carman Angela L. , Scutchfield F. Douglas , McGladrey Margaret L. , Vorbeck Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Balancing competing imperatives of conserving scarce resources while improving organizational performance and community health, many local health departments (LHDs) have decided to pursue national, voluntary public health accreditation as a guide to improvement, but how to do so in the most efficient way possible remains a question for many.

Methods:

This study employed a participatory action research approach in which LHD directors and accreditation coordinators from 7 accredited and 3 late-stage accreditation ready Kentucky LHD jurisdictions participated. Participants organized a set of accreditation deliverables into a chronological sequencing of each site's accreditation readiness process, which was then coded by researchers to identify similarities and differences.

Results:

All participating jurisdictions had all-hazards emergency operations plans and public health emergency operations plans while none had workforce development plans, quality improvement plans, or performance management plans before launching accreditation readiness activities. Also identified were the number of accreditation deliverables attempted, simultaneously, by each site and the importance of specific deliverables having a singular focus. Sequences of work on specific deliverables by the majority of participants included completing work on the quality improvement plan immediately, followed by the performance management plan, the Community Health Assessment before the Community Health Improvement Plan, and a strategic plan, followed by a workforce development plan. Factors influencing accreditation readiness processes, elements for sustaining processes, and lessons learned throughout the pursuit of accreditation were also provided by participants.

Conclusions:

Recognizing the impact of staff availability, staff skill sets, training, and available financial resources on the pursuit of accreditation, participants determined that aggregating lessons learned into a flowchart highlighting the interconnectedness of accreditation deliverables could produce a road map for LHDs. Accreditation deliverables could be attempted in a logical, efficient order particularly valuable to small LHDs with limited resources and yet adaptable for those jurisdictions able to devote more resources to the process.
Ramadan and Culturally Competent Care: Strengthening Tuberculosis Protections for Recently Resettled Muslim Refugees
Authors: Stockbridge Erica L. , Kabani Faizan A. , Gallups Jeremy S. , Miller Thaddeus L.
Published: November 2018

To improve latent tuberculosis infection treatment completion rates, Tarrant County Public Health began providing after-dusk home delivery of a 12-dose latent tuberculosis infection regimen of weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid administered via directly observed preventive therapy during Ramadan, a month of prayer and daytime fasting observed by Muslims. In unadjusted difference-in-difference logistic regression analyses (n = 148), Muslim patients had lower treatment completion rates than non-Muslim patients during Ramadan prior to program implementation (68.8% vs 95.4%), whereas rates were comparable postimplementation (95.7% vs 96.4%; difference-in-difference P = .011). Similar results were found after adjusting for age and gender (pre: 71.4% vs 94.8%; post: 95.5% vs 96.3%; P = .032). These findings provide evidence of the need for and effectiveness of programmatic innovations tailored to the varying cultural norms of the widely diverse populations served by public health authorities and suggest that culturally competent clinical care may advance population health goals.
Safety and Efficacy of EB-001, a Novel Type E Botulinum Toxin, in Subjects with Glabellar Frown Lines: Results of a Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Ascending-Dose Study
Authors: Yoelin Steve G. , Dhawan Sunil S. , Vitarella Domenico , Ahmad Wajdie , Hasan Fauad , Abushakra Susan
Published: November 2018

Background:

Botulinum neurotoxins, which are widely used commercially for therapeutic and cosmetic applications, have historically belonged to serotypes A and B. Serotype E has a distinct profile with a faster onset and shorter duration of effect. EB-001 is a proprietary formulation of serotype E in development for aesthetic (cosmetic) and therapeutic uses.

Methods:

This first-in-human, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, ascending-dose cohort study enrolled 42 subjects who received EB-001 (n = 35) or placebo (n = 7). The efficacy primary outcome was the proportion of subjects with a two-grade investigator-rated improvement in glabellar frown line severity at maximum frown. Safety evaluations included adverse events, laboratory tests, and physical examinations.

Results:

A two-grade investigator-rated response was observed starting in the third cohort (EB-001), with increased rates observed at higher doses. Onset of clinical effect was within 24 hours, with a duration ranging between 14 and 30 days for the highest doses. Adverse event incidence was low, with the most common being mild to moderate headache. There were no serious adverse events or ptosis, and there were no clinically significant changes in other safety assessments.

Conclusions:

In this clinical study in glabellar frown lines, EB-001 showed favorable safety, tolerability, and dose-dependent efficacy, with an 80 percent response rate at the highest dose. The maximum clinical effect of EB-001 was seen within 24 hours and lasted between 14 and 30 days. This differentiated EB-001 profile supports its development for aesthetic and therapeutic applications where fast onset and short duration of effect are desirable.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Predictable Location of Breast Sensory Nerves for Breast Reinnervation
Authors: Knackstedt Rebecca , Gatherwright James , Cakmakoglu Cagri , Djohan Michelle , Djohan Risal
Published: November 2018

The sensory innervation to the breast originates from the medial and lateral cutaneous branches of the third to fifth intercostal nerves, which are at risk for injury or loss during mastectomy. Providing reinnervation after mastectomy was introduced almost 20 years ago, but it is not widely performed, perhaps because of the difficulty of locating a recipient nerve. The authors have performed cadaveric dissections to allow for precise anatomical localization of the lateral intercostal branch providing breast sensation. Bilateral chest dissections were performed on 10 female cadavers. The lateral intercostal nerve providing sensation to breast tissue was identified. The distances from the sternum, the midclavicular line, and the lateral pectoralis minor—in addition to nerve diameter—were measured. The nerve was successfully identified bilaterally in all cadavers. The majority of nerves (16 of 20) exited from under the fourth rib. The average distance from the sternum was 13.1 ± 1.3 cm (range, 10 to 15 cm) and the average distance from the midclavicular line was 11.8 ± 2.2 cm (range, 8 to 16 cm). The nerve exited at the lateral border of the pectoralis minor or within 2 cm from the lateral border for all cadavers. The diameter of the nerve was consistently 2 mm. The nerve traveled under the thoracodorsal vessels, aiding in identification. The authors identified the predictable location of the lateral intercostal nerve providing sensation to the breast. The authors hope that by enabling surgeons to locate this nerve, more well-conducted studies will be performed investigating techniques and outcomes for breast reinnervation.
Locational Relationship between the Lateral Border of the Frontalis Muscle and the Superior Temporal Line
Authors: Lee Kyu-Lim , Choi You-Jin , Gil Young-Chun , Hu Kyung-Seok , Tansatit Tanvaa , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: November 2018

Background:

The frontalis is a representative target muscle for botulinum neurotoxin type A injections aimed at treating horizontal wrinkles in the forehead region. However, a lack of information regarding the shape and thickness of the frontalis may lead to unexpected side effects.

Methods:

This study dissected hemifaces of 44 embalmed Korean and Thai cadavers and performed ultrasound examinations on 20 Korean volunteers. Two anatomical types were identified: (1) the lateral portion of the frontalis covered the superior temporal line in type I, and (2) the lateral border of the frontalis and the superior temporal line almost coincided in type II. A horizontal line was drawn laterally from the midpoint between the metopion and the glabella, and landmarks F1, F2, and F3 were defined as points where this horizontal reference line intersected with vertical lines from the midpoint of the pupil, the lateral canthus, and the lateral orbital rim, respectively.

Results:

Type I was more common than type II [84 percent (37 of 44) versus 16 percent (seven of 44)]. When the lateral border of the frontalis ran along the border, there were no cases in which the superior temporal line was not visible. The mean minimum distance in type I was 10.53 mm. The muscle thicknesses at F1, F2, and F3 were 1.80 ± 0.44 mm (mean ± SD), 1.61 ± 0.37 mm, and 0.11 ± 0.04 mm, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study yielded data on the location and thickness of the lateral border of the frontalis. An anatomical study–based, ultrasound-guided injection technique can achieve reliable results when noninvasive treatment is applied to the forehead area.
68Ga-PSMA Uptake in Anal Fistula on PET/CT Scan
Authors: Klingenberg Søren , Jochumsen Mads Ryø , Nielsen Tomas Frahm , Bouchelouche Kirsten
Published: November 2018

68Ga–prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT scan for primary staging discovered increased 68Ga-PSMA uptake in a known anal fistula in a recently diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer patient. The patient had an ongoing history of surgical revisions of complex fistulas in the perianal region, contributing to active inflammation and infection. Recently, reports have demonstrated increased 68Ga-PSMA uptake in different benign inflammatory conditions. This case demonstrates another case of a benign condition associated with increased 68Ga-PSMA uptake.
Quality and Safety in Health Care, Part XLIX
Authors: Harolds Jay A.
Published: November 2018

Mentoring and coaching are activities that are quite helpful in having doctors become happy, engaged, and successful in their work and also help prevent burnout. Coaching helps promote a better balance between work, rest, family, and fun pursuits. Coaching also helps the one being coached develop better emotional awareness, become more cognizant of the good he/she has done, develop a positive outlook on life, find more meaning in work, and be better able to overcome obstacles. In ways such as these, the coach helps his/her client become more resilient and recover from burnout.
Quantitative Analysis of Change in Intracranial Volume After Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction and Frontal Orbital Advancement/Remodeling
Authors: Senda Daiki , Orgun Doruk , Shimizu Azusa , Shimoji Kazuaki , Miyajima Masakazu , Arai Hajime , Mizuno Hiroshi , Komuro Yuzo
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Patients with craniosynostosis with shortened occipitofrontal diameter are mainly treated with posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) in our institution. If further intracranial volume (ICV) expansion is needed, additional treatment with frontal orbital advancement (FOA) is done. On the contrary, frontal orbital remodeling (FOR) is done for better aesthetic results. In this study, post-treatment ICV changes in patients with craniosynostosis treated with these methods have been investigated.

Methods:

Patients who underwent FOA or FOR in addition to PVDO at Juntendo University Hospital between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed for patient characteristics and pre/postoperative ICV measurements using 3-dimensional computed tomography scans.

Results:

Nine patients aged from 5 months to 6 years 8 months at the time of PVDO were included. For PVDO, the ICV change was 113 to 328 mL, and the enlargement ratio of ICV was 109% to 152%. Two patients were further operated with FOA while the remaining 7 with FOR. With FOA, ICV change was 73 to 138 mL, while enlargement ratio of ICV was 107% to 114%. With FOR, ICV change was 3 to 45 mL (mean 20 mL), while enlargement ratio of ICV was 100% to 103%.

Conclusion:

The PVDO is our first line of treatment for ICV expansion and posterior cranial fossa decompression in patients with severe craniosynostosis. The FOA is performed if extra ICV increase is necessary. This approach seems to enable larger ICV expansions compared with other conventional methods. The FOR should be reserved for patients in whom adequate ICV levels are achieved with PVDO yet additional frontal reshaping is necessary.
The Construction of Surgical Trust
Authors: Salim Saad Y. , Govaerts Marjan , White Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore how trust was constructed between surgeons and residents in the operating room.

Background:

Entrustment is increasingly being used as a key element to assess trainees’ competence in the clinical workplace. However, the cognitive process involved in the formulation of surgical trust remains poorly understood.

Methods:

In semistructured interviews, 9 general surgeons discussed their experiences in making entrustment decisions during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Template analysis methodology was employed to develop an explanatory model.

Results:

Surgeons described the construction of trust as a stepwise process taking place before, during, and after the procedure. The main steps were as follows: (1) an initial propensity to trust based on the perceived risk of the case and trustworthiness of the resident; (2) a decision to initiate trust in the resident to begin the surgery; (3) close observation of preliminary steps; (4) an evolving decision based on whether the surgery is “on-track” or “off-track”; (5) intervention if the surgery was “off-track” (withdrawal of trust); (6) re-evaluation of trust for future cases. The main reasons described for withdrawing trust were: inability to follow instructions, failure to progress, and unsafe manoeuvres.

Conclusions:

This study showed that surgical trust is constructed through an iterative process involving gathering and valuing of information, decision-making, close observation, and supervisory intervention. There were strong underlying themes of control and responsibility, and trust was noted to increase over time and over repeated observations. The model presented here may be useful in improving judgements on competence in the surgical workplace.
Omentopexy in Sleeve Gastrectomy Reduces Early Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms
Authors: Filho Antonio M.M. , Silva Lyz B. , Godoy Eduardo S. , Falcão Angela M. , de Quadros Luiz G. , Zotarelli Filho Idiberto J. , Campos Josemberg M. , Rabelo Filho Lucio V.
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the surgical procedures indicated in the treatment of obesity. The occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in the postoperative period of this surgery is related to a reduction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone and the presence of gastric residual fundus (RF) associated with increased gastric intraluminal pressure. Fixation of the remaining gastric reservoir to the gastrosplenic and gastrocolic ligaments (omentopexy) has emerged as a technical option to avoid or decrease GER in the postoperative period of LSG.

Objective:

To evaluate the presence of GER symptoms, alterations in LES tone, and the presence of RF in obese subjects submitted to LSG with omentopexy.

Methods:

Twenty obese patients were submitted to LSG with omentopexy from July 2016 to July 2017 at the Hospital Unimed de Teresina, Brazil and was studied prospectively. Clinical evaluations, including a specific questionnaire (clinical score), upper digestive endoscopy and esophageal manometry, were performed preoperatively and on the 90th postoperative day. Contrast x-ray of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum were performed after the 90th postoperative day. The Fischer exact test was used to evaluate the correlation between GER symptoms and changes in LES tone or the presence of RF. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the correlation of GER symptoms with the 2 variables together. All analyses adopted a level of significance for α errors >5% (P-value <0.05).

Results:

The mean clinical score of GER reduced from 6.7 in the preoperative period to 2.7 in the postoperative period. By manometry, there were no significant changes in the LES tone with mean values of 26.04 and 27.07 mm Hg before and after the procedure. RF was identified in 3 cases by contrast radiology. There was no statistical correlation between the changes in the LES tone or the presence of RF with the increase in the clinical score of GER (in cases where this occurred), even when the variables were evaluated together.

Conclusions:

LSG with omentopexy improved the clinical score of GER in most cases and did not cause significant changes in the LES tone. The presence of RF did not exacerbate the clinical score of GER.
Traumatic brain injury may worsen clinical outcomes after prolonged partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in severe hemorrhagic shock model
Authors: Williams Aaron M. , Bhatti Umar F. , Dennahy Isabel S. , Graham Nathan J. , Nikolian Vahagn C. , Chtraklin Kiril , Chang Panpan , Zhou Jing , Biesterveld Ben E. , Eliason Jonathan , Alam Hasan B.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (pREBOA) in combined hemorrhagic shock (HS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been well studied. We hypothesized that the use of pREBOA in the setting of TBI would be associated with worse clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Female Yorkshire swine were randomized to the following groups: HS-TBI, HS-TBI-pREBOA, and HS-pREBOA (n = 5/cohort). Animals in the HS-TBI group were left in shock for a total of 2 hours, whereas animals assigned to pREBOA groups were treated with supraceliac pREBOA deployment (60 minutes) 1 hour into the shock period. All animals were then resuscitated, and physiologic parameters were monitored for 6 hours. Further fluid resuscitation and vasopressors were administered as needed. At the end of the observation period, brain hemispheric swelling (%) and lesion size (mm3) were assessed.

RESULTS

Mortality was highest in the HS-TBI-pREBOA group (40% [2/5] vs. 0% [0/5] in the other groups, p = 0.1). Severity of shock was greatest in the HS-TBI-pREBOA group, as defined by peak lactate levels and pH nadir (p < 0.05). Fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine requirements were significantly higher in the HS-TBI-pREBOA group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in brain hemispheric swelling and lesion size between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged application of pREBOA in the setting of TBI does not contribute to early worsening of brain lesion size and edema. However, the addition of TBI to HS-pREBOA may worsen the severity of shock. Providers should be aware of the potential physiologic sequelae induced by TBI.
Pediatric Outcomes in Transplant: PersOnaliSing Immunosuppression To ImproVe Efficacy (POSITIVE Study): The Collaboration and Design of a National Transplant Precision Medicine Program
Authors: Papaz Tanya , Allen Upton , Blydt-Hansen Tom , Birk Patricia E. , Min Sandar , Hamiwka Lorraine , Phan Veronique , Schechter Tal , Wall Donna A. , Urschel Simon , Foster Bethany J. , Mital Seema
Published: November 2018

Background

Despite age-related differences in biology, physiology, and behavior, transplant immunosuppression is not tailored by age. This likely contributes to high graft failure and posttransplant complications. We present the aims, design, and methods of the Pediatric Outcomes in Transplant: PersOnaliSing Immunosuppression To ImproVe Efficacy Study aimed at personalizing posttransplant immunosuppression in children and young adults.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, we recruited pediatric and young adult solid organ transplant, pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and matched living and deceased organ donors from 14 transplant centers across Canada. Clinical data, questionnaires, biospecimens, and pharmacy records were collected at serial time points: (1) to identify genetic and host immune factors that influence immunosuppression dose requirements across different ages and transplant types, (2) to identify viral-host interactions that increase susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus infection, and (3) to define care processes and structures associated with medication adherence in adolescents and young adults.

Results

From 2015 to 2018, 1662 new and prevalent transplant recipients were screened, 1166 were recruited for the various aims, including 370 liver, 445 kidney, 277 heart, 19 lung, 19 multiple, and 36 hematopoietic stem cell transplant transplants. Twelve percent were younger than 2 years, 30% were 2 to 10 years, 42% were 10 to 18 years, and 16% were 18 to 24 years at enrollment. Nine hundred thirty-one consented to participation in aims 1 and 2 (90% consent rate), 287 to aim 3 (82% consent rate). Biospecimens collected included 898 for DNA, 276 for immunoassays, and 717 for biomarker studies. Seventy percent participants have completed follow-up; 30% are pending study completion.

Conclusions

The design of this national multicenter cross-organ network helped maximize recruitment of a large patient cohort for studying age and organ-related differences in immunosuppression needs that would not otherwise be feasible. Leveraging the unique clinical, biological, environmental, and behavioral characteristics of this cohort will help develop precision medicine strategies for individualizing posttransplant immunosuppression.
Uncovering Network Architecture Using an Exact Statistical Input-Output Relation of a Neuron Model
Authors: Shomali Safura Rashid , Rasuli Seyyed Nader , Ahmadabadi Majid Nili , Shimazaki Hideaki
Published: November 2018

Using observed neuronal activity, we try to unveil hidden microcircuits. A key requirement is the knowledge of statistical input-output relation of single neurons in vivo. We use a recent exact solution of spike-timing for leaky integrate-and-fire neurons under noisy inputs balanced near threshold, and construct a framework that links synaptic type/strength, and spiking nonlinearity, with statistics of neuronal activity. The framework explains structured higher-order interactions of neurons receiving common inputs under different architectures. Comparing model’s prediction with an empirical dataset of monkey V1 neurons, we find that excitatory inputs to pairs explain the observed sparse activity characterized by negative triple-wise interactions, ruling out the intuitive shared inhibition. We show that the strong interactions are in general the signature of excitatory rather than inhibitory inputs whenever spontaneous activity is low. Finally, we present a guide map that can be used to reveal the hidden motifs underlying observed interactions found in empirical data.
Strategy for Efficient Importing of NAD Analogs
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Dayu
Published: November 2018

It is difficult to study and manipulate the functions of NAD(P). NAD analogs can enhance our ability to understand signaling pathways mediated by NAD. But the application is limited. By constructing an efficient importing system will stimulate developing and screening of functional analogs.
Assessing metacommunity processes through signatures in spatiotemporal turnover of community composition
Authors: Jabot Franck , Laroche Fabien , Massol François , Arthaud Florent , Crabot Julie , Dubart Maxime , Blanchet Simon , Munoz François , David Patrice , Datry Thibault
Published: November 2018

Although metacommunity ecology has been a major field of research in the last decades, with both conceptual and empirical outputs, the analysis of the temporal dynamics of metacommunities has only emerged recently and consists mostly of repeated static analyses. Here, we propose a novel analytical framework to assess metacommunity processes using path analyses of spatial and temporal diversity turnovers. We detail the principles and practical aspects of this framework and apply it to simulated datasets to illustrate its ability to decipher the respective contributions of entangled drivers of metacommunity dynamics. We then apply it to four empirical datasets. Empirical results support the view that metacommunity dynamics may be generally shaped by multiple ecological processes acting in concert, with environmental filtering being variable across both space and time. These results reinforce our call to go beyond static analyses of metacommunities that are blind to the temporal part of environmental variability.
Mutations in enterobacterial common antigen biosynthesis restore outer membrane barrier function inEscherichia coli tol-palmutants
Authors: Jiang Xiang’Er , Tan Wee Boon , Shrivastava Rahul , Seow Deborah Chwee San , Chen Swaine Lin , Guan Xue Li , Chng Shu-Sin
Published: November 2018

The outer membrane (OM) is an essential component of the Gram-negative bacterial envelope that protects cells against external threats. To maintain a functional OM, cells require distinct mechanisms to ensure balance of proteins and lipids in the membrane. Mutations in OM biogenesis and/or homeostasis pathways often result in permeability defects, but how molecular changes in the OM affect barrier function is unclear. Here, we seek potential mechanism(s) that can alleviate permeability defects inEscherichia colicells lacking the Tol-Pal complex, which accumulate excess PLs in the OM. We identify mutations in enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) biosynthesis that re-establish OM barrier function against large hydrophilic molecules, yet did not restore lipid homeostasis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that build-up of biosynthetic intermediates, but not loss of ECA itself, contributes to the rescue. This suppression of OM phenotypes is unrelated to known effects that accumulation of ECA intermediates have on the cell wall. Finally, we reveal that an unusual diacylglycerol pyrophosphoryl-linked lipid species also accumulates in ECA mutants, and might play a role in the rescue phenotype. Our work provides insights into how OM barrier function can be restored independent of lipid homeostasis, and highlights previously unappreciated effects of ECA-related species in OM biology.
PARbars: cheap, easy to build ceptometers for continuous measurement of light interception in plant canopies
Authors: Salter William T. , Merchant Andrew M. , Gilbert Matthew E. , Buckley Thomas N.
Published: November 2018

Short Abstract

Detailed instructions on how to build, calibrate and collect research quality data from PARbar ceptometers are presented.

Long Abstract

Ceptometry is a technique used to measure the transmittance of photosynthetically active radiation through a plant canopy using multiple light sensors connected in parallel on a long bar. Ceptometry is often used to infer properties of canopy structure and light interception, notably leaf area index (LAI) and effective plant area index (PAIeff). Due to the high cost of commercially available ceptometers, the number of measurements that can be taken is often limited in space and time. This limits the usefulness of ceptometry for studying genetic variability in light interception, and precludes thorough analysis of, and correction for, biases that can skew measurements depending on the time of day. We developed continuously logging ceptometers (called PARbars) that can be produced for USD $75 each and yield high quality data comparable to commercially available alternatives. Here we provide detailed instruction on how to build and calibrate PARbars, how to deploy them in the field and how to estimate PAI from collected transmittance data. We provide representative results from wheat canopies and discuss further considerations that should be made when using PARbars.
In silico prediction and characterisation of secondary metabolite clusters in the plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Shi-Kunne Xiaoqian , Pedro Jové Roger de , Depotter Jasper R.L. , Ebert Malaika , Seidl Michael F. , Thomma Bart P.H.J.
Published: November 2018

Fungi are renowned producers of natural compounds, also known as secondary metabolites (SMs) that display a wide array of biological activities. Typically, the genes that are involved in the biosynthesis of SMs are located in close proximity to each other in so-called secondary metabolite clusters (SMCs). Many plant-pathogenic fungi secrete SMs during infection in order to promote disease establishment, for instance as cytocoxic compounds. Verticillium dahliae is a notorious plant pathogen that can infect over 200 host plants worldwide. However, the SM repertoire of this vascular pathogen remains mostly uncharted. To unravel the SM potential of V. dahliae, we performed in silico predictions and in-depth analyses of its SM clusters (SMC). We identified 25 potential SMCs in the V. dahliae genome, including loci that can be implicated in DHN-melanin, ferricrocin, triacetyl fusarinine and fujikurin production.
Tumor Protein D54 defines a new class of intracellular transport vesicle
Authors: Larocque Gabrielle , La-Borde Penelope J. , Clarke Nicholas I. , Carter Nicholas J. , Royle Stephen J.
Published: November 2018

Transport of proteins and lipids from one membrane compartment to another is via intracellular vesicles. We investigated the function of Tumor Protein D54 (TPD54/TPD52L2), and found that TPD54 was involved in multiple membrane trafficking pathways: anterograde traffic, recycling and Golgi integrity. To understand how TPD54 controls these diverse functions, we used an inducible method to reroute TPD54 to mitochondria. Surprisingly, this manipulation resulted in the capture of many small vesicles (30 nm diameter) at the mitochondrial surface. Super-resolution imaging confirmed the presence of similarly sized TPD54-positive structures under normal conditions. It appears that TPD54 defines a new class of transport vesicle, which we term intracellular nanovesicles (INVs). INVs meet three criteria for functionality. They contain specific cargo, they have certain R-SNAREs for fusion, and they are endowed with a variety of Rab GTPases (16 out of 43 tested). The molecular heterogeneity of INVs and the diverse functions of TPD54 suggest that INVs have various membrane origins and a number of destinations. We propose that INVs are a generic class of transport vesicle which transfer cargo between these varied locations.
The interaction between the tumour suppressor Dlg1 and the MAGUK protein CASK is required for oriented cell division in mammalian epithelia
Authors: Porter Andrew P. , White Gavin , Mack Natalie A. , Malliri Angeliki
Published: November 2018

Oriented cell divisions are important for the formation of normal epithelial structures. Dlg1, a tumour suppressor, is required for oriented cell division in Drosophila epithelia and chick neuroepithelia, but how Dlg1 is localised to the membrane and its importance in mammalian epithelia are unknown. Here we show that Dlg1 is required in non-transformed mammalian epithelial cells for oriented cell divisions, and for normal lumen formation in 3D culture. We demonstrate that CASK, a membrane-associated scaffold, is the factor responsible for Dlg1 membrane localisation during spindle orientation, and thereby identify a new cellular function for CASK. We show that depletion of CASK leads to misoriented divisions in 3D, and to the formation of multilumen structures in cultured kidney and breast epithelial cells. Blocking the direct interaction between CASK and Dlg1 with an interfering peptide disrupts spindle orientation and causes multilumen formation. We further show that the Dlg1-CASK interaction is important for the membrane localisation of the canonical LGN-NuMA complex, required for attachment of the mitotic spindle to the membrane and its correct positioning, as well as for astral microtubule stability. Together these results establish the importance of the CASK-Dlg1 interaction in oriented cell division and epithelial integrity.
Predisposing factors of teenage pregnancy in the Uganda Lake Victoria Island and Mountain districts
Authors: Tuyiragize Richard , Nzabona Abel , Asiimwe John Bosco , Kakuba Christian , Mushomi John , Maniragaba Fred
Published: November 2018

Introduction

There is a high teenage pregnancy in Lake Victoria Island and Mountain districts of Uganda. Teenage pregnancy is highly associated with abortions, infant and maternal mortality, high rate of unemployment, school failure and drop-outs and limited future career opportunities. This paper identifies and explains the factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Uganda Lake Victoria Island shoreline area and mountain districts.

Methods

The analysis focused on 405 girls aged 15–19 years, generated from the 2016 Uganda demographic and Health Survey. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval and p-values were computed using appropriate logistic regression models to determine the presence and strength of associations between the teenage pregnancy and independent variables.

Results

Age, residence, secondary or higher education level, female-headed households, marital status (married), occupation, wealth index(rich quintile), and knowledge of ovulation cycle were found to have statistically significant associations with teenage pregnancy.

Conclusion

Increased age, rural residence, occupation(not working), and knowledge of ovulation cycle were statistically significant predisposing factors of teenage pregnancy in Uganda Lake Victoria Island shoreline area and mountain districts. Teenagers in these study areas should be provided with sexual education as well as teenage-friendly health services at health facilities that include a wide range of options, as well as medically accurate counselling and information could mitigate teenage pregnancy.
Inhibition of Klebsiella pneumonia by a Novel Strain of Paenibacillus
Authors: Yang Muhan , Su Huijuan , Cheng Xinru , Li Xiaobo , Lian Huihui , Wang Yuqi , Wang Yang
Published: November 2018

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the causative agent of Klebsiella pneumonia and enteritis, and the prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains is becoming a serious public health problem. In this study, we isolated a novel strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa from the fecal extracts of healthy dogs that were challenged with K. pneumoniae. By combination of transposon mutagenesis and metabolic analysis, a nonribosomal peptide synthase gene cluster was identified to be involved in the antagonism, and the molecular weight of the compound was 1168.38 g/mol. These findings will enlarge the arsenal against drug-resistant pathogens.
Recent work on electrochemical deposition of Zn-Ni (-X) alloys for corrosion protection of steel
Authors: Fashu Simbarashe , Khan Rajwali
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Thin coatings are of great importance to minimize corrosion attack of steel in different environments. A review of recent work on electrodeposition and corrosion performance of Zn-Ni-based alloys for sacrificial corrosion protection of ferrous substrates is presented. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic comparison of the corrosion resistances of Zn-Ni alloy coatings. The review contains key and outstanding comparisons of references for the period from 2007 to 2017. Binary and ternary Zn-Ni-based alloys were compared and contrasted to provide a good knowledge basis for selection of best coating system to steel substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is a review article.

Findings

Zn-Ni-(X) alloys show great potential for replacing Cd metal in corrosion protection of steel substrates.

Practical implications

The research on plating of binary Zn-Ni alloys from aqueous electrolytes is now well advanced and these alloys show improved corrosion resistance compared to pure Zn. Pulse plated and compositionally modulated multilayer Zn-Ni alloy coatings showed enhanced corrosion properties compared to direct plated Zn-Ni coatings of similar composition.

Originality/value

The work on electrodeposition of Zn-Ni based alloys from ionic liquids is still scarce, yet these liquids show great promise in improving corrosion resistance and reducing coating thickness when compared to aqueous electrolytes. Advanced plating techniques in ionic liquids such as electromagnetic, compositionally modulated multilayer, pulse plating, ternary alloys and composites should be considered as these electrolytes avoid water chemistry and associated defects.
Silicone oil based softeners including different additives – part I
Authors: Balci Onur , Kinoglu Gözde Özlem , Besen Burcu Sancar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

In this dichotomous study, the silicone-based softeners were produced with the contribution of some additives such as glycerin, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) which had hydrophilic hydroxyl groups for providing or developing the hydrophilic character, lubricity and filling properties of the emulsions. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The produced softeners were applied to the 100 percent cotton-knitted fabrics at different concentrations (owf%). In the first part of the study, the produced silicone emulsions were characterized via particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and TGA analyses. In addition, the effects of these emulsions on the mechanical properties of the fabrics were examined by bursting strength and pilling tests, and also the whiteness degrees (Berger value) of fabrics were researched. In the second part of the study, the effects of produced silicone softeners on the comfort properties of the fabrics were investigated.

Findings

According to the results, it was possible to say that the additives could be successfully added to the silicone emulsions, and they did not have a crucial effect on the properties of the emulsions or the mechanical and whiteness properties of the fabrics.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the additives were used as single form in the softeners recipes; however, their dual or trio combinations and/or their different concentrations could be used in the softeners emulsions.

Practical implications

In order to enhance the hydrophilic character, the lubricity and filling properties of the silicone softeners, they could be produced by using appropriate additives.

Originality/value

The contribution of the additives to the recipes of the silicone softeners is a novel approach.
The qualitative case research in international entrepreneurship: a state of the art and analysis
Authors: Ji Junzhe , Plakoyiannaki Emmanuella , Dimitratos Pavlos , Chen Shouming
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how qualitative case research (QCR) has been conducted in the field of international entrepreneurship (IE) in terms of onto-epistemology and methodology. QCR can serve as an umbrella approach for contextualizing and capturing the complexity of IE opportunities, events, conditions and relationships, and to illuminate and enrich the understanding of related IE processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough literature review was conducted of IE journal articles published between 1989 and mid-2017. This paper identified and analyzed 292 journal articles in terms of theoretical purpose and research design.

Findings

The findings suggest that the “positivistic” QCR is the customary convention of QCR in IE. “Exploratory” and “theory building” are the two most commonly pursued objectives. There have also been atypical practices and increased methodological rigor in recent years. Alternative paradigmatic QCRs that depart from positivistic assumptions are in an early stage of development in IE.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research examining QCR onto-epistemology and methodology approaches in IE, providing a useful state of the art that has been hitherto lacking in the literature. Based on this paper’s findings, the authors suggest that the IE field would benefit from greater methodological transparency in the reporting and writing of QCR. Also, the breadth of knowledge and legitimacy of the IE area would be enhanced through more studies involving unconventional (beyond positivistic) QCR.
Prevalence of cognitive impairment among hill-tribe older people in the Northern part of Thailand
Authors: Trongsakul Supaporn , Ruanjai Thapakorn , Chaiut Wilawan , Tamornpark Ratipark , Apidechkul Tawatchai
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence and factors related to cognitive impairment among hill-tribe older people in Chiang Rai province, Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 459 hill-tribe older people aged 60 years and above. A Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) Thai 2002 version was used for cognitive screening. A questionnaire and medical records were used for demographic and clinical data collection while descriptive statistics were used to analyze characteristic data. Potential factors related to cognitive impairment were analyzed by using univariate logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The prevalence of cognitive impairment amongst the participants was 49.89 percent (95% CI 45.32%, 53.47 percent). Factors related to cognitive decline included no occupation (OR=1.49, 95% CI 1.10–2.03, p<0.04) and a history of amphetamine use (OR=1.57, 95% CI 1.09–2.33, p<0.04).

Originality/value

Cognitive decline should be a cause for concern amongst Thai hill-tribe older people, especially amongst those in the group with a history of amphetamine use. However, Thai health care professionals need to be aware of the potential cultural bias in the MMSE Thai 2002 version as a cognition test targeted at the hill-tribe population as the questionnaire may not provide a true reflection of their cultural experience and background.
A new model for Auckland commercial property yields
Authors: Szweizer Moshe
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the studies of commercial property yields by providing a cross-field approach through the implementation of methods used in physics.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the equations used to describe real gases in physics, the commercial property yields are expressed through a model, as a product of two terms. The first term estimates the influence of the income change and investment on yields. The second estimates the yield variation as a function of property size. Additionally, the model combines the macroeconomic and microeconomic components influencing yield adjustment. Calculation of each component involves procedures developed in physics, with the investment volume being linked to the amount of gas and the microeconomic yield being linked to the gas compressibility.

Findings

The model was applied to the Auckland office and industrial markets, both to the historic and current cycle. At the macro-level, it was found that the use of accumulation of investment over a relevant cycle, results in a high data to model correlation. When modelling the yields at the micro-level, a relationship between the outlying properties and the yield softening was observed.

Practical implications

The paper provides an enhanced modelling power through association of the cyclic and investment activity with the yield change. Moreover, the model may be used to decouple the local and the international investment components and the extent of their influence on the local property market. Furthermore, it may be used to estimate the influence of the property size on the yield.

Originality/value

This research provides a new cross-field application of modelling techniques and enhances the understanding of factors influencing yield adjustments.
Barriers to firm service innovativeness in emerging economies
Authors: Durmusoglu Serdar S. , Nayir Dilek Zamantili , Chaudhuri Malika , Chen Junsong , Joens Ingela , Scheuer Stephanie
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper investigates internal and external barriers influencing the different dimensions of firm service innovativeness and the moderating effect of transformational leadership on these relationships in an emerging economy, namely, Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested using cross-sectional survey data from 148 hotels. The authors use regressions to analyze the data set.

Findings

The results demonstrate that barriers to innovation need not necessarily impede firm service innovativeness at all times; some of these so-called “barriers” may even act as catalysts that improve firm’s likelihood of adopting innovations. More importantly, the findings suggest that a transformational leadership style alleviates the negative influence of internal barriers on internal service innovativeness dimensions of process, strategic and behavioral innovativeness.

Originality/value

The positive effect of transformational leadership lessening the detrimental impact of barriers to innovation is a topic in need of research. In addition to examining this phenomenon in a developing country, the authors choose a service retailing industry as a study context: hospitality/tourism. The main reason for choosing this industry is that there is little empirical evidence of service innovation activity in this industry despite the fact that it contributes to a large extent to employment and gross domestic product in most emerging economies, and it is, in fact, a fairly innovative industry. Furthermore, this study presents a unique perspective by investigating small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).