bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LARGE, an AMPA receptor interactor, plays a large role in long-term memory formation by driving homeostatic scaling-down
Authors: Seo Bo Am , Cho Taesup , Lee Daniel Z. , Lee Hwa Young , Lee Joong-Jae , Lee Boyoung , Kim Seong-Wook , Cunningham Kathryn A. , Dineley Kelly T. , Green Thomas A. , Kim Ho Min , Choi Se-Young , Shin Hee-Sup , Kang Myoung-Goo
Published: December 2017

Dynamic trafficking of AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPA-R) in neuronal cells is a key cellular mechanism for learning and memory in the brain, which is regulated by AMPA-R interacting proteins. LARGE, a protein associated with intellectual disability, was found to be a novel component of the AMPA-R protein complex in our proteomic study. Here, our functional study of LARGE showed that during homeostatic scaling-down, increased LARGE expression at the Golgi apparatus (Golgi) negatively controlled AMPA-R trafficking from the Golgi to the plasma membrane, leading to downregulated surface and synaptic AMPA-R targeting. InLARGEknockdown mice, long-term potentiation (LTP) was occluded by synaptic AMPA-R overloading, resulting in impaired long-term memory formation. These findings indicate that the fine-tuning of AMPA-R trafficking by LARGE at the Golgi is critical for memory stability in the brain. Our study thus provides novel insights into the pathophysiology of brain disorders associated with intellectual disability.
CRISPR-typing PCR (ctPCR), a new Cas9-based DNA detection method
Authors: Wang Qiao , Zhang Beibei , Xu Xinhui , Long Feifei , Wang Jinke
Published: December 2017

This study develops a new method for detecting and typing target DNA based on Cas9 nuclease, which was named as ctPCR, representing Cas9/sgRNA- or CRISPR-typing PCR. The technique can detect and discriminate target DNA easily, rapidly, specifically, and sensitively. This technique detects target DNA in three steps: (1) amplifying target DNA with PCR by using a pair of universal primers (PCR1); (2) treating PCR1 products with a process referred to as CAT, representing Cas9 cutting, A tailing and T adaptor ligation; (3) amplifying the CAT-treated DNA with PCR by using a pair of general-specific primers (gs-primers) (PCR2). The technique was verified by detecting HPV16 and HPV18 L1 gene in 13 different high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes. The technique was also detected two high-risk HPVs (HPV16 and HPV18) in cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa and SiHa) by detecting the L1 and E6/E7 genes, respectively. In this method, PCR1 was performed to determine if the detected DNA sample contained the target DNA (such as virus infection), while PCR2 was performed to discriminate which genotypic target DNA was present in the detected DNA sample (such as virus subtypes). With these proof-of-concept experiments, this study provides a new CRISPR-based DNA detection and typing method.
Simplifying the combined use of CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre-loxP technologies for the efficient generation of targeted conditional gene knockouts in mammalian cells
Authors: Noiman Tzahi , Kahana Chaim
Published: December 2017

Gene knockout technologies have contributed fundamentally to our understanding of the cellular functions of various genes. Two prevalent systems used for the efficient elimination of the expression of specific genes are the Cre-LoxP system and the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Here we present a simple method that combines the use of CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre-loxP for the conditional deletion of essential genes in mammalian cells. First, an inducible Cre recombinase is stably expressed in the cells. Next CRISPR-Cas9 is used to knockout an essential gene, whose function is complemented by stable expression of a FLAG-tagged version of the same protein encoded from a floxed transcription unit containing silent mutations, making it refractory to the CRISPR-Cas9 guide. This FLAG-tagged protein can be deleted by activating the expressed Cre protein enabling evaluation of the cellular consequences of its deletion. We have further used this system to evaluate potential mutants of the tested gene.
The signaling lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate regulates mechanical pain
Authors: Hill Rose Z. , Hoffman Benjamin U. , Morita Takeshi , Campos Stephanie M. , Lumpkin Ellen A. , Brem Rachel B. , Bautista Diana M.
Published: December 2017

Somatosensory neurons mediate responses to diverse mechanical stimuli, from innocuous touch to noxious pain. While recent studies have identified distinct populations of A mechanonociceptors (AMs) that are required for mechanical pain, the molecular underpinnings of mechanonociception remain unknown. Here, we show that the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P Receptor 3 (S1PR3) are critical regulators of acute mechanonociception. Genetic or pharmacological ablation of S1PR3, or blockade of S1P production, significantly impaired the behavioral response to noxious mechanical stimuli, with no effect on responses to innocuous touch or thermal stimuli. These effects are mediated by fast-conducting A mechanonociceptors, which displayed a significant decrease in mechanosensitivity in S1PR3 mutant mice. We show that S1PR3 signaling tunes mechanonociceptor excitability via modulation of KCNQ2/3 channels. Our findings define a new role for S1PR3 in regulating neuronal excitability and establish the importance of S1P/S1PR3 signaling in the setting of mechanical pain thresholds.
Spatial organization of single mRNPs at different stages of the gene expression pathway
Authors: Adivarahan Srivathsan , Livingston Nathan , Nicholson Beth , Rahman Samir , Wu Bin , Rissland Olivia , Zenklusen Daniel
Published: December 2017

mRNAs form ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNPs) by association with proteins that are crucial for mRNA metabolism. While the mRNP proteome has been well characterized, little is known about mRNP organization. Using a single molecule approach, we show that mRNA conformation changes depending on its cellular localization and translational state. Compared to nuclear mRNPs and lncRNPs, association with ribosomes decompacts individual mRNAs, while their sequestration into stress-granules leads to increased compaction. Moreover, translating mRNAs rarely show co-localizing 5’ and 3’ ends, indicating that mRNAs are either not translated in a closed-loop configuration, or that mRNA circularization is transient, suggesting that a stable closed-loop conformation is not a universal state for all translating mRNAs.

One Sentence Summary

Single mRNA studies in cells show RNA compaction changes depending on translational state, but mRNAs are not translated in closed-loop conformation.
Directed evolution of CRISPR-Cas9 to increase its specificity
Authors: Lee Jungjoon K. , Jeong Euihwan , Lee Joonsun , Jung Minhee , Shin Eunji , Kim Young-hoon , Lee Kangin , Kim Daesik , Kim Seokjoong , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: December 2017

The use of CRISPR-Cas9 as a therapeutic reagent is hampered by its off-target effects. Although rationally designed S. pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) variants that display higher specificities than the wild-type SpCas9 protein are available, these attenuated Cas9 variants are often poorly efficient in human cells. Here, we have used a directed evolution approach in E. coli to obtain Sniper-Cas9, which shows high specificities without sacrificing on-target activities in human cells.
Identification and analysis of mobile genetic elements in Gibbon genome
Authors: Rawal Kamal , Jagannadham Jaisri , Kubba Chahat , Sharma Tanya
Published: December 2017

Recent sequencing of genome of northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) has provided important insight into fast evolution of gibbons and signatures relevant to gibbon biology. It was revealed that mobile genetic elements (MGE) seems to play major role in gibbon evolution. Here we report that most of the gibbon genome is occupied by the MGEs such as ALUs, MIRs, LINE1, LINE 2, LINE 3, ERVL, ERV-class1, ERV-class II and other DNA elements which include hAT Charlie and TcMar tigger. We provide detailed description and genome wide distribution of all the MGEs present in gibbon genome. Previously, it was reported that gibbon-specific retrotransposon (LAVA) tend to insert into chromosome segregation genes and alter transcription by providing a premature termination site, suggesting a possible molecular mechanism for the genome plasticity of the gibbon lineage. We show that insertion sites of LAVA elements present atypical signals/patterns which are different from typical signals present at insertion sites of Alu elements. This suggests possibility of distinct insertion mechanism used by LAVA elements for their insertions. We also find similarity in signals of LAVA elements insertion sites with atypical signals present at Alus /L1s insertion sites disrupting the genes leading to diseases such as cancer and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This suggest role of LAVA in premature transcription termination.
Tri-methylation of Histone H3 Lysine 4 Facilitates Gene Expression in Ageing Cells
Authors: Cruz Cristina , Rosa Monica Della , Krueger Christel , Gao Qian , Field Lucy , Houseley Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Transcription of protein coding genes is accompanied by recruitment of COMPASS to promoter-proximal chromatin, which deposits di- and tri-methylation on histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) to form H3K4me2 and H3K4me3. Here we determine the importance of COMPASS in maintaining gene expression across lifespan in budding yeast. We find that COMPASS mutations dramatically reduce replicative lifespan and cause widespread gene expression defects. Known repressive functions of H3K4me2 are progressively lost with age, while hundreds of genes become dependent on H3K4me3 for full expression. Induction of these H3K4me3 dependent genes is also impacted in young cells lacking COMPASS components including the H3K4me3-specific factor Spp1. Remarkably, the genome-wide occurrence of H3K4me3 is progressively reduced with age despite widespread transcriptional induction, minimising the normal positive correlation between promoter H3K4me3 and gene expression. Our results provide clear evidence that H3K4me3 is required to attain normal expression levels of many genes across organismal lifespan.
Shu complex SWS1-SWSAP1 is required for mouse meiotic recombination in concert with the BRCA2 C terminus
Authors: Abreu Carla M. , Prakash Rohit , Romanienko Peter J. , Roig Ignasi , Keeney Scott , Jasin Maria
Published: December 2017

Homology recognition and DNA-strand invasion ensure faithful homolog pairing and segregation during the first meiotic division1. RAD51 and DMC1 recombinases catalyze these steps2, with BRCA2 promoting their assembly into nuclear foci3. The recently identified human SWS1-SWSAP1 complex, related to the Shu complex in yeast, promotes RAD51 focus formation in cell lines4,5. We show here that mouse SWS1-SWSAP1 is critical for meiotic homologous recombination (HR) by promoting the assembly of RAD51 and DMC1 on early recombination intermediates. Absence of the complex perturbs meiotic progression in males and females and both sexes are sterile, although a fraction of meiocytes form crossovers. Remarkably, loss of the DNA damage checkpoint kinase CHK2 rescues fertility specifically in females without rescuing crossover numbers. Unlike the Shu complex, the BRCA2 C terminus (known to be required for RAD51 stabilization6,7) is dispensible for RAD51 and DMC1 focus formation. However, concomitant loss of the BRCA2 C terminus aggravates the meiotic defects in Shu mutant spermatocytes. These results point to a complex interplay of factors that ensure recombinase function and hence meiotic progression in the mouse.
Tension-dependent regulation of mammalian Hippo signaling through LIMD1
Authors: Ibar Consuelo , Kirichenko Elmira , Keepers Benjamin , Enners Edward , Fleisch Katelyn , Irvine Kenneth D.
Published: December 2017

Hippo signaling is regulated by biochemical and biomechanical cues that influence the cytoskeleton, but the mechanisms that mediate this have remained unclear. We show that all three mammalian Ajuba family proteins – AJUBA, LIMD1, and WTIP - exhibit tension-dependent localization to adherens junctions, and that both Lats family proteins, LATS1 and LATS2, exhibit an overlapping tension-dependent junctional localization. This localization of Ajuba and Lats family proteins is also influenced by cell density, and by Rho activation. We establish that junctional localization of Lats kinases requires LIMD1, and that LIMD1 is also specifically required for the regulation of Lats kinases and YAP by Rho. Our results identify a biomechanical pathway that contributes to regulation of mammalian Hippo signaling, establish that this occurs through tension-dependent LIMD1-mediated recruitment and inhibition of Lats kinases in junctional complexes, and identify roles for this pathway in both Rho-mediated and density-dependent regulation of Hippo signaling.
Breast cancer incidence as a function of the number of previous mammograms: analysis of the NHS screening programme
Authors: Corcos Daniel
Published: December 2017

The discrepancy between the protective effect of early surgery of breast cancer and the poor benefits of mammography screening programs in the long term can be explained if mammography induces breast cancer at a much higher rate than anticipated. Mammography screening is associated in most countries with a higher incidence of breast cancer, attributed to overdiagnosis. X-ray-induced cancers can be distinguished from overdiagnosed cancers by the fact that their incidence depends on the number of previous mammograms, whereas overdiagnosis solely depends on the last screening mammogram, leading to diagnosis. The unbiased relationship between the number of mammograms and breast cancer incidence was evaluated from the data of the NHS Breast Cancer screening programme in women aged from 50 to 64 years in the United Kingdom. The delay between mammography and increased breast cancer incidence was confirmed from the data of the “Age” trial, a randomized trial of annual screening starting at age 40 in the UK. In women aged 50-64 attending screening at the NHS Breast Cancer programme,in situbreast cancer incidence increased linearly from 1993 to 2005 as a function of the number of mammograms. Incidence did not increase anymore after 2005 when the number of mammograms and the delay after screening was stable. Invasive breast cancer incidence increased more specifically in the 60-69 age group. The risk of breast cancer almost doubled after 15 years of screening. Additional cancers began to occur less than 6 years after mammography. These results are evidence that X-ray-induced carcinogenesis, rather than overdiagnosis, is the cause of the increase in breast cancer incidence.
Phenotype loss is associated with widespread divergence of the gene regulatory landscape in evolution
Authors: Roscito Juliana G. , Sameith Katrin , Parra Genis , Langer Bjoern E. , Petzold Andreas , Rodrigues Miguel Trefaut , Hiller Michael
Published: December 2017

Detecting the genomic changes underlying phenotypic changes between species is a main goal of evolutionary biology and genomics. Evolutionary theory predicts that changes incis-regulatory elements are important for morphological changes. Here, we combine genome sequencing and functional genomics with genome-wide comparative analyses to investigate the fate of regulatory elements in lineages that lost morphological traits. We first show that limb loss in snakes is associated with widespread divergence of limb regulatory elements. We next show that eye degeneration in subterranean mammals is associated with widespread divergence of eye regulatory elements. In both cases, sequence divergence results in an extensive loss of relevant transcription factor binding sites. Importantly, diverged regulatory elements are associated with key genes required for normal limb patterning or normal eye development and function, suggesting that regulatory divergence contributed to the loss of these phenotypes. Together, our results provide the first evidence that genome-wide decay of the phenotype-specificcis-regulatory landscape is a hallmark of lost morphological traits.
A united kinematic calibration method for a dual-machine system
Authors: Zhao Dan , Bi Yunbo , Ke Yinglin
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a united kinematic calibration method for a dual-machine system in automatic drilling and riveting. The method takes both absolute and relative pose accuracy into account, which will largely influence the machining accuracy of the dual-machine system and assembly quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive kinematic model of the dual-machine system is established by the superposition of sub-models with pose constraints, which involves base frame parameters, kinematic parameters and tool frame parameters. Based on the kinematic model and the actual pose error data measured by a laser tracker, the parameters of coordinated machines are identified by the Levenberg–Marquardt method as a multi-objective nonlinear optimization problem. The identified parameters of the coordinated machines will be used in the control system.

Findings

A new calibration method for the dual-machine system is developed, including a comprehensive kinematic model and an efficient parameter identification method. The experiment results show that with the proposed method, the pose accuracy of the dual-machine system was remarkably improved, especially the relative position and orientation errors.

Practical implications

This method has been used in an aircraft assembly project. The calibrated dual-machine system shows a good performance on system coordination and machining accuracy.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new method with high accuracy and efficiency for the dual-machine system calibration. The research can be extended to multi-machine and multi-robot fields to improve the system precision.
Compliant assembly variation analysis of thin-walled structures based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation
Authors: Yu Haidong , Zhao Chunzhang , Zheng Bin , Wang Hao
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Thin-walled structures inevitably always have manufacturing deviations, which affects the assembly quality of mechanical products. The assembly quality directly determines the performances, reliability and service life of the products. To achieve the automatic assembly of large-scale thin-walled structures, the sizing force of the structures with deviations should be calculated, and its assembling ability should be studied before assembly process. The purpose of this study is to establish a precise model to describe the deviations of structures and to study the variation propagation during assembly process.

Design/methodology/approach

Curved thin-walled structures are modeled by using the shell element via the absolute nodal coordinate formulation. Two typical deviation modes of the structure are defined. The generalized elastic force of shell elements with anisotropic materials is deduced based on a continuum mechanics approach to account for the geometric non-linearity. The quasi-static method is introduced to describe the assembly process. The effects of the deviation forms, geometrical parameters of the thin-walled structures and material properties on assembly quality are investigated numerically.

Findings

The geometric non-linearity of structure and anisotropy of materials strongly affect the variation propagation and the assembly quality. The transformation and accumulation effects of the deviations are apparent in the multiple assembly process. The constraints on the structures during assembly can reduce assembly deviation.

Originality/value

The plate element via the absolute nodal coordinate formulation is first introduced to the variation propagation analysis. Two typical shape deviation modes are defined. The elastic force of structures with anisotropic materials is deduced. The variation propagation during the assembly of structures with various geometrical and material parameters is investigated.
Innovative management strategies for building and sustaining a digital initiatives department with limited resources
Authors: Miller A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer and explore innovative strategies for building and sustaining digital initiatives at information organizations. Although the examples provided are based on case studies at an academic library, the practices are rooted in project management principles and therefore applicable to all library types, museums, archives and other information organizations. The innovative strategies on staffing and funding will be particularly useful to organizations faced with monetary and staffing shortages and highlights collaborative management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Concept of strategic and collaborative management practices led by an experienced project manager cross-trained in management, technical and soft skills enables the successful development and sustainability of digital initiatives. A cross-trained librarian’s management practices of leading the Digital Scholarship Initiatives at a particular university will be examined as a case study and aided with literature supporting the need for digital initiatives leaders to have training beyond the credentials of librarian, curator, archivist or historian in the technologically savvy twenty-first century ecology of information centers.

Findings

The innovative strategies implemented in the case study yielded increases in the number of hours of digital lab usage, digital projects developed, seminars or workshops presented, attendance of library hosted events, number of programs implemented and awareness on campus, all with limited staff and funding. The variety and level of production and marketing is instrumental to the growth and sustainability of digital initiatives.

Practical implications

The innovative strategies emphasized in this paper use the concept of borrowed or shared time to start staffing needs and is particularly helpful to organizations that do not have a strong line of dedicated staffing or funding to begin building digital initiatives. Offers small ways to start immediately while setting the stage to plan for big ideas for the future.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a credentialed information expert, such as a librarian, archivist or curator, that is, also cross-trained in project management and technology is the key to not only successfully leading digital initiatives but is instrumental for its sustainability and the marketing, growth and future of digital initiatives.
The humanitarian imperative for education in disaster response
Authors: Halman Paul Gerard , van de Fliert Elske , Khan M. Adil , Shevellar Lynda
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an argument showing the importance of education as a disaster response activity, and why it must figure more prominently in financial and material support for humanitarian disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of the literature and case studies that have considered humanitarian response activities is carried out, drawing together conclusions on the varied impacts of Education in Emergencies (EiE) on affected populations and identifying the need for more research in this area.

Findings

Despite rhetorical commitments to education as an emergency response activity, it is often dismissed as non-life saving, and receives the poorer share of funding and resources from humanitarian budgets. It places lower in the consciousness of states and donors than traditional response activities, yet rates highly by affected communities. However, education is both life-saving and life-sustaining when taking into account the impact of education beyond teaching and learning. The processes and effects of education as part of emergency response need to be better understood, and further research that links education and its life-saving capability will strengthen its case.

Originality/value

This paper argues how immediate response to restore education functions in affected communities after an emergency can significantly contribute to child protection and health. It provides compelling reasons for the status of EiE as a response activity, adding to the voice of more than 200 million people affected by disasters every year, many of whom continue to prioritise education.
Improving the visibility of library resources via mapping library subject headings to Wikipedia articles
Authors: Joorabchi Arash , Mahdi Abdulhussain E.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Linking libraries and Wikipedia can significantly improve the quality of services provided by these two major silos of knowledge. Such linkage would enrich the quality of Wikipedia articles and at the same time increase the visibility of library resources. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of a software system for automatic mapping of FAST subject headings, used to index library materials, to their corresponding articles in Wikipedia.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed system works by first detecting all the candidate Wikipedia concepts (articles) occurring in the titles of the books and other library materials which are indexed with a given FAST subject heading. This is then followed by training and deploying a machine learning (ML) algorithm designed to automatically identify those concepts that correspond to the FAST heading. In specific, the ML algorithm used is a binary classifier which classifies the candidate concepts into either “corresponding” or “non-corresponding” categories. The classifier is trained to learn the characteristics of those candidates which have the highest probability of belonging to the “corresponding” category based on a set of 14 positional, statistical, and semantic features.

Findings

The authors have assessed the performance of the developed system using standard information retrieval measures of precision, recall, andF-score on a data set containing 170 FAST subject headings manually mapped to their corresponding Wikipedia articles. The evaluation results show that the developed system is capable of achievingF-scores as high as 0.65 and 0.99 in the corresponding and non-corresponding categories, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The size of the data set used to evaluate the performance of the system is rather small. However, the authors believe that the developed data set is large enough to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of the proposed approach.

Practical implications

The sheer size of English Wikipedia makes the manual mapping of Wikipedia articles to library subject headings a very labor-intensive and time-consuming task. Therefore, the aim is to reduce the cost of such mapping and integration.

Social implications

The proposed mapping paves the way for connecting libraries and Wikipedia as two major silos of knowledge, and enables the bi-directional movement of users between the two.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current work is the first attempt at automatic mapping of Wikipedia to a library-controlled vocabulary.
Plasma immunological markers in pregnancy and cord blood: A possible link between macrophage chemo‐attractants and risk of childhood type 1 diabetes
Authors: Vistnes Maria , Tapia German , Mårild Karl , Midttun Øivind , Ueland Per M. , Viken Marte K. , Magnus Per , Berg Jens P. , Gillespie Kathleen M. , Skrivarhaug Torild , Njølstad Pål R. , Joner Geir , Størdal Ketil , Stene Lars C.
Published: December 2017

Problem

Previous studies have suggested that immune perturbations during pregnancy can affect offspring type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk. We aimed to identify immunological markers that could predict offspring T1D or that were linked to T1D risk factors.

Method of study

We quantified selected circulating immunological markers in mid‐pregnancy (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐2Rα, IL‐2, ‐4, ‐5, ‐6, ‐10, ‐12p70, 13, ‐17A, GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, CXCL10, CCL 2, CCL3, CCL4, TNF) and cord blood plasma (neopterin and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) in a case‐control study with 175 mother/child T1D cases (median age 5.8, range 0.7‐13.0 years) and 552 controls.

Results

Pre‐pregnancy obesity was positively associated with CCL4, CXCL10, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and neopterin (P < .01). The established T1D SNPs rs1159465 (near IL2RA) and rs75352297 (near CCR2 and CCR3) were positively associated with IL‐2Rα and CCL4, respectively (P < .01). There was a borderline association of CCL4 and offspring T1D risk, independent of maternal obesity and genotype. When grouping the immunological markers, there was a borderline association (P = .05) with M1 phenotype and no association between M2‐, Th1‐, Th2‐ or Th17 phenotypes and offspring T1D risk.

Conclusion

Increased mid‐pregnancy CCL4 levels showed borderline associations with increased offspring T1D risk, which may indicate a link between environmental factors in pregnancy and offspring T1D risk.
Radial nerve palsy in mid/distal humeral fractures: is early exploration effective?
Authors: Keighley Geffrey , Hermans Deborah , Lawton Vidya , Duckworth David
Published: December 2017

Background

Radial nerve palsies are a common complication with displaced distal humeral fractures. This case series examines the outcomes of early operative exploration and decompression of the nerve with fracture fixation with the view that this provides a solid construct for optimisation of nerve recovery.

Methods

A total of 10 consecutive patients with a displaced distal humeral fracture and an acute radial nerve palsy were treated by the senior author by open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus and exploration and decompression of the radial nerve. Motor function and sensation of the radial nerve was assessed in the post‐operative period every 2 months or until full recovery of the radial nerve function had occurred.

Results

All patients (100%) had recovery of motor and sensation function of their upper limb in the radial nerve distribution over a 12‐month period. Recovery times ranged between 4 and 32 weeks, with the median time to recovery occurring at 26 weeks and the average time to full recovery being 22.9 weeks. Wrist extension recovered by an average of 3 months (range 2–26 weeks) and then finger extension started to recover 2–6 weeks after this. Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand scores ranged from 0 to 11.8 at greater than 1 year post‐operatively.

Discussion

Our study demonstrated that early operative exploration of the radial nerve when performing an open stabilization of displaced distal humeral fractures resulted in a 100% recovery of the radial nerve.
Editorial: monitoring blood pressure is key to the safe use of beta‐blockers in patients with chronic liver failure
Authors: Ferguson J. W. , Armstrong M. J.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Bhutta et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14366.
Editorial: the IBD‐disability index—ready for prime time?
Authors: Sawbridge D. , Subramanian S.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Lo et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14373.
Editorial: proton pump inhibitor therapy and liver disease progression—more cause for concern?
Authors: Macnaughtan J. , Jalan R.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Li et al paper. To view this article please visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14391.
Editorial: non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease—it is better to be slender after all
Authors: Leung J. C.‐F. , Wong V. W.‐S.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Sookoian and Pirola paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14401.
Letter: dose‐response analysis revealed closer relationship between obesity and perioperative outcomes in patients after liver transplantation—Authors’ reply
Authors: Barone M. , Viggiani M. T. , Losurdo G. , Principi M. , Leandro G. , Di Leo A.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Barone et al and Liu et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14139 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14425.
Vedolizumab in the treatment of chronic, antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis
Authors: Bär F. , Kühbacher T. , Dietrich N. A. , Krause T. , Stallmach A. , Teich N. , Schreiber S. , Walldorf J. , Schmelz R. , Büning C. , Fellermann K. , Büning J. , Helwig U. ,   the German IBD Study Group
Published: December 2017

Background

The most common complication after ileal pouch anal anastomosis in up to 50% of patients is an acute pouchitis. The majority of patients respond to antibiotic treatment. However, 10%‐15% develops chronic antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis which is usually hard to treat.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of vedolizumab in patients with chronic pouchitis.

Methods

Patients with chronic antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis were treated with vedolizumab (300 mg at week 0, 2, 6 and 10) in 10 IBD centres and retrospectively registered. Data were recorded until week 14 of vedolizumab treatment. In total 20 patients (12 male, median age 43 years) were included for analysis. The effectiveness was measured using the Oresland Score (OS) at week 2, 6, 10 and 14 and the pouch disease activity index (PDAI) at week 0 and 14.

Results

The mean OS declined from 6.8 (range 2‐12) to 3.4 (range 0‐11). Concordantly, the mean PDAI after 14 weeks of treatment dropped from 10 (range 5‐18) to 3 (range 0‐10). Only three patients reported moderate side effects. No serious side effects were recorded. In addition, symptomatic co‐medication such as loperamide and tincture of opium could be terminated in 8 out of 12 patients as well as antibiotic treatment could be stopped in 17 out of 19 patients.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that vedolizumab could be an option in the treatment of patients with chronic, antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis.
Right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy does not cause more cognitive impairment than pharmacologic treatment in treatment‐resistant bipolar depression: A 6‐month randomized controlled trial follow‐up study
Authors: Bjoerke‐Bertheussen Jeanette , Schoeyen Helle , Andreassen Ole A , Malt Ulrik F , Oedegaard Ketil J , Morken Gunnar , Sundet Kjetil , Vaaler Arne E , Auestad Bjoern , Kessler Ute
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for bipolar depression, but there are concerns about whether it causes long‐term neurocognitive impairment.

Methods

In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, in‐patients with treatment‐resistant bipolar depression were randomized to either algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment or right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. After the 6‐week treatment period, all of the patients received maintenance pharmacotherapy as recommended by their clinician guided by a relevant treatment algorithm. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 6 months. Neurocognitive functions were assessed using the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery, and autobiographical memory consistency was assessed using the Autobiographical Memory Interview‐Short Form.

Results

Seventy‐three patients entered the trial, of whom 51 and 26 completed neurocognitive assessments at baseline and 6 months, respectively. TheMATRICSConsensus Cognitive Battery composite score improved by 4.1 points in both groups (P = .042) from baseline to 6 months (from 40.8 to 44.9 and from 41.9 to 46.0 in the algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment and electroconvulsive therapy groups, respectively). The Autobiographical Memory Interview‐Short Form consistency scores were reduced in both groups (72.3% vs 64.3% in the algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment and electroconvulsive therapy groups, respectively;P = .085).

Conclusions

This study did not find that right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy caused long‐term impairment in neurocognitive functions compared to algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment in bipolar depression as measured using standard neuropsychological tests, but due to the low number of patients in the study the results should be interpreted with caution.

Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00664976
Wheel running during chronic nicotine exposure is protective against mecamylamine‐precipitated withdrawal and up‐regulates hippocampal α7 nACh receptors in mice
Authors: Keyworth Helen , Georgiou Polymnia , Zanos Panos , Rueda André Veloso , Chen Ying , Kitchen Ian , Camarini Rosana , Cropley Mark , Bailey Alexis
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose

Evidence suggests that exercise decreases nicotine withdrawal symptoms in humans; however, the mechanisms mediating this effect are unclear. We investigated, in a mouse model, the effect of exercise intensity during chronic nicotine exposure on nicotine withdrawal severity, binding of α4β2*, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR), μ‐opioid (μ receptors) and D2 dopamine receptors and on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and plasma corticosterone levels.

Experimental Approach

Male C57Bl/6J mice treated with nicotine (minipump, 24 mg·kg−1·day−1) or saline for 14 days underwent one of three concurrent exercise regimes: 24, 2 or 0 h·day−1 voluntary wheel running. Mecamylamine‐precipitated withdrawal symptoms were assessed on day 14. Quantitative autoradiography of α4β2*, α7 nAChRs, μ receptors and D2 receptor binding was performed in brain sections of these mice. Plasma corticosterone and brain BDNF levels were also measured.

Key Results

Nicotine‐treated mice undertaking 2 or 24 h·day−1 wheel running displayed a significant reduction in withdrawal symptom severity compared with the sedentary group. Wheel running induced a significant up‐regulation of α7 nAChR binding in the CA2/3 area of the hippocampus of nicotine‐treated mice. Neither exercise nor nicotine treatment affected μ or D2 receptor binding or BDNF levels. Nicotine withdrawal increased plasma corticosterone levels and α4β2* nAChR binding, irrespective of exercise regimen.

Conclusions and Implications

We demonstrated for the first time a profound effect of exercise on α7 nAChRs in nicotine‐dependent animals, irrespective of exercise intensity. These findings shed light onto the mechanism underlining the protective effect of exercise on the development of nicotine dependence.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc
THE REGULATION OF MORTGAGE SERVICING: LESSONS FROM THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: McNulty James E. , Garcia‐Feijoo Luis , Viale Ariel
Published: December 2017

Pivotal litigation against the largest subprime mortgage servicer in the United States provides lessons about the appropriate regulation of mortgage servicing and adds to research about the causes of the financial crisis. Mortgage servicing is essential to the functioning of the financial system so servicers must be held to a high standard. The litigation revealed egregious practices but was settled quickly for a nominal amount and provided the servicer a very broad release of liability, allowing it to expand without correcting serious problems, and created significant wealth gains for the parent firm. Regulatory authority should not be split between agencies. (JEL G28, G21, K40)
Do needle and syringe programs reduce risky behaviours among people who inject drugs in Kermanshah City, Iran? A coarsened exact matching approach
Authors: Noroozi Mehdi , Marshall Brandon D. L. , Noroozi Alireza , Armoon Bahram , Sharifi Hamid , Farhoudian Ali , Ghiasvand Hesam , Vameghi Meroe , Rezaei Omid , Sayadnasiri Mohammad , Pouya Rokhsane Hosseini
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Aims

In this study, we used a ‘coarsened exact matching’ method to evaluate the relationship between two levels of needle and syringe program (NSP) utilisation and HIV‐related risk behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Design and Methods

Using snowball sampling, we recruited 500 PWID (all male) in Kermanshah City, Iran between September and December 2014 in a cross‐sectional survey. We categorised participants into two groups, including high (i.e. receiving 60% or more of their syringes from an NSP) and low (i.e. receiving less than 60% of their syringes from NSP) NSP users. Then, we applied coarsened exact matching to match the two groups based on confounding covariates (age, place of residence, income, receiving methadone maintenance treatment) and made statistically equivalent comparison groups to estimate the effect of the NSP on injection risk behaviours.

Results

Participants with low NSP use were more likely to report borrowing syringes in past 2 months (odds ratio [OR] 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30, 1.86; P < 0.04), in comparison with participants with high NSP use. Regarding recent syringe lending, low NSP use was also significantly and positively associated with this outcome (OR 3.34; 95% CI 1.70, 5.20; P < 0.02). Reusing one's own syringe was reported more frequently in low NSP use group (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.22, 3.97; P < 0.03).

Discussion and Conclusions

NSPs are a promising approach to reduce injection‐related risk behaviours among PWID in Kermanshah, Iran. Expanded coverage of high‐quality NSPs is recommended.
Beyond ‘State Ibuism’: Empowerment Effects in State‐led Development in Indonesia
Authors: Jakimow Tanya
Published: December 2017

This article examines the ways women's processes of self‐formation are indicative (or not) of new possibilities for women's gendered selves in the post‐Reformasi period in Indonesia. It focuses on the development arena to reveal how shifts in state rhetoric, from top‐down guidance based on a patriarchal familial model to bottom‐up, inclusive development based on empowerment, have transformed what is referred to as the ‘topography for self’. The article draws upon theories of personhood a) to show how gendered selves emerge and are contested within particular historical conditions; and b) to develop an alternative framework of ‘empowerment’ that focuses not on capabilities and choice, but on an expansion in the possibilities for self. It argues that models of community‐driven development have provided new opportunities for women to hold and enact socially recognizable subject positions. This constitutes a form of empowerment for individual women but does not necessarily reflect challenges to patriarchy in Indonesia.
Progress of the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme: referrals, uptake and participant characteristics
Authors: Barron E. , Clark R. , Hewings R. , Smith J. , Valabhji J.
Published: December 2017

Aims

To describe early progress of the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a behavioural intervention designed to prevent or delay onset of Type 2 diabetes in people in England already identified to be at high risk, to assess numbers of referrals received by Programme providers and the proportion that attended the initial assessment, and to identify the factors associated with attendance rates.

Methods

These analyses examine the data for referrals received between June 2016 and March 2017.

Results

There were 43 603 referrals received, 16% higher than expected. Of those referred, 49% attended the initial assessment, higher than the 40% modelled uptake. Of those referred, there was no significant difference in uptake by sex (P=0.061); however, attendance per 100 000 population varied significantly by sex, age group, ethnicity and deprivation; it was significantly lower for men (P<0.001), higher as age increased (P<0.001) and higher for individuals from Asian, Afro‐Caribbean, mixed and other ethnic groups compared with individuals from white European groups (P<0.001). There was significant interaction between attendance rates by ethnicity and deprivation (P<0.001) such that attendance rates were significantly higher in the most deprived quintile vs the least deprived quintile for Asian, Afro‐Caribbean, mixed and other ethnic groups but not significantly different for white European ethnic groups.

Conclusion

The analyses show that referral numbers and percentage uptake are in excess of prior modelled values. Characteristics of attendees suggest that the programme is reaching those who are both at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and who typically access healthcare less effectively.
Social protection is a grassroots reality: Making the case for policy reflections on community‐based social protection actors and services in Africa
Authors: Awortwi Nicholas
Published: December 2017

In Africa, the state is not the biggest responder to poverty and social vulnerability. While international attention has searched for State remedies to State shortfalls, the poor themselves have taken a different route. They have improvised, organized, delivered and governed their social protection (SP) services using grassroots mechanisms without State support. Based on empirical studies in 30 districts in six African countries, this article makes the case that the highly localized models may not be perfect, but are probably the best fit for implementing an all‐encompassing SP policy in Africa. The challenge for policy will be to harness this potential—not by trying to turn grassroots organizations into something they are not, but by supporting what they already are.
Citizen Advantage, Undocumented Disadvantage, or Both? The Comparative Educational Outcomes of Second and 1.5‐Generation Latino Young Adults1
Authors: Patler Caitlin
Published: December 2017

Recent research theorizes a widening sociopolitical gap between undocumented and documented immigrants — but also between citizens and noncitizens generally — with implications for mobility. How might legal inequality influence educational outcomes? Largely due to data constraints, much existing research is unable to distinguish between legal statuses. Yet, legal status may help explain inconsistent findings of “immigrant advantage” among Latinos. Using survey data from Latino young adults in California, I explore how legal status impacts high school completion, post‐secondary enrollment, and labor market expectations. I find evidence of undocumented disadvantage and citizenship advantage in completion and enrollment, but no differences in expectations. Findings suggest that scholars should pay closer attention to the role of legal background in shaping mobility.
Fungal colonization of the paranasal sinuses*
Authors: Vennewald Irina , Henker M. , Klemm E. , Seebacher C.
Published: December 2017

Fungal infection of the paranasal sinuses occur in four primary types: acute invasive (1), chronic invasive (2), chronic fungus ball (3) and allergic fungal sinusitis (4). The first and second form can be fatal and is often found in immunosuppressed patients. The present paper concerns a group of immunocompetent patients with non‐invasive chronic sinusitis caused by moulds.

Over the period from 1994 to 1998, 132 tissue samples from the paranasal sinuses obtained by endoscopic operation from 117 patients was examined for mycotic infections. The mycological examination was carried out if granulomatous and crumbly material was seen in the sinus by endoscopy (91 times maxillary sinus, 23 times ethmoid sinus, 11 times frontal sinus, 7 times sphenoid sinus). Out of 117 patients 29 were positive (24,9%). From 132 surgical specimens fungi were proved in 34 times (25,7%). The following fungal species were isolated: Aspergillus fumigatus 17 times, other Aspergillus spp 6 times, Alternaria alternate 2, Penicillium rugulosum 1, and moulds without differentiation 5 times. In the histological examination an invasive mycelial growth in the mucous membrane or in the bones was never observable. Our findings represented a commensal colonization of the paranasal sinuses, but not a mycosis. The colonization is evidently assisted by a chronic hyperthrophic sinusitis with increased mucus production which impedes the mucociliary clearance. For immunosuppressed patients, however, this situation causes a danger of invasion with fatal consequences.