bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Influences on Time Pressure Stressors and Potential Patient Consequences in Primary Care
Authors: McDonald Kathryn M. , Rodriguez Hector P. , Shortell Stephen M.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Primary care teams face daily time pressures both during patient encounters and outside of appointments.

Objectives:

We theorize 2 types of time pressure, and test hypotheses about organizational determinants and patient consequences of time pressure.

Research Design:

Cross-sectional, observational analysis of data from concurrent surveys of care team members and their patients.

Subjects:

Patients (n=1291 respondents, 73.5% response rate) with diabetes and/or coronary artery disease established with practice teams (n=353 respondents, 84% response rate) at 16 primary care sites, randomly selected from 2 Accountable Care Organizations.

Measures and Analysis:

We measured team member perceptions of 2 potentially distinct time pressure constructs: (1) encounter-level, from 7 questions about likelihood that time pressure results in missing patient management opportunities; and (2) practice-level, using practice atmosphere rating from calm to chaotic. The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-11) instrument measured patient-reported experience. Multivariate logistic regression models examined organizational predictors of each time pressure type, and hierarchical models examined time pressure predictors of patient-reported experiences.

Results:

Encounter-level and practice-level time pressure measures were not correlated, nor predicted by the same organizational variables, supporting the hypothesis of two distinct time pressure constructs. More encounter-level time pressure was most strongly associated with less health information technology capability (odds ratio, 0.33; P<0.01). Greater practice-level time pressure (chaos) was associated with lower PACIC-11 scores (odds ratio, 0.74; P<0.01).

Conclusions:

Different organizational factors are associated with each forms of time pressure. Potential consequences for patients are missed opportunities in patient care and inadequate chronic care support.
Photo-photochemotherapy in Juvenile-onset Mycosis Fungoides: A Retrospective Study on 9 Patients
Authors: Brazzelli Valeria , Bernacca Carlotta , Segal Aviad , Barruscotti Stefania , Bolcato Vittorio , Michelerio Andrea , Tomasini Carlo F.
Published: August 2018

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare disease and is considered the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Given the infrequent incidence of MF in patients under the age of 20, there are no established guidelines for the treatment of these patients; the overwhelming majority have an early-stage disease and progression to more advanced stages is very rare. This study presents the safety and effectiveness of photo-photochemotherapy as a first-line approach in the treatment of an early-stage MF even in young patients.
Multistage neurorehabilitation of an adolescent with severe anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a case report
Authors: Han Velda X. , Lee Michelle W.X. , Lin Jeremy B.
Published: August 2018

We report on a 15-year-old girl with severe anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis who had initial poor prognostic factors. We delineate the unique challenges faced in the rehabilitation of our patient including sleep disruption and food aversion. After 20 months of hospitalization and intensive rehabilitation, there was a significant improvement in functional abilities and self-care skills. However, she had residual neurocognitive deficits, visual perceptual, and motor coordination difficulties that continued to improve after discharge, attesting to the need for long-term rehabilitation. The case showed the need for a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, with both targeted therapies and neuropharmacology, tailored to facilitate the different stages of recovery unique to anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis patients.
A Framework for Educator Storytelling
Authors: Sabio Cristan , Petges Nancy
Published: August 2018

Background

Delivering content in an interactive manner presented a specific challenge in a medical-surgical course. Storytelling, using an SBARR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, Review) format, emerged as a means to deliver content in an interactive and engaging manner.

Purpose

The purposes were to provide a framework for effective educator storytelling in the nursing classroom and after implementation of the framework, to gather student perceptions of the effectiveness of the SBARR framework.

Methods

A 2-stage qualitative methods approach using Bengtsson's method of thematic content analysis was chosen for the pilot study. Content analysis and a descriptive survey were used to gather student perceptions of the SBARR framework.

Results

Five themes emerged: stay engaged, retain material, comprehend concepts, relate theory to practice, and develop critical thinking.

Conclusions

Nurse educators seeking to improve effectiveness while capitalizing on their wealth of experience from clinical practice may benefit from the use of storytelling using the SBARR format.
Acute-Onset Flaccid Hemiparesis in a 9-Year-Old Boy With Presumed Enteroviral Infection
Authors: Kline Jaclyn N. , Whitehead Matthew T. , Atabaki Shireen M.
Published: August 2018

In the summer and autumn of 2014, a cluster of cases of flaccid paralysis were seen in the United States related to patients infected with enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). We present here a case of acute-onset flaccid hemiparesis in a previously healthy boy with altered mental status, hypothermia, and bowel incontinence.
Clinical Suspicion and Language Translation in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Bravo Michael , Lim Rodrick , Poonai Naveen , Chen Breanna
Published: August 2018

Elucidating a medical history and gaining patient consent and buy-in are difficult in any teenager presenting to a North American pediatric emergency department, but especially so when they present with limited English fluency. Translators can make this process easier, but both limited availability and impreciseness in translation can reduce their utility. We describe 2 teenage females who presented to our pediatric emergency department within 48 hours with similar presentations but no obvious organic cause or examination findings to suggest a specific diagnosis. We demonstrate how complex language translation issues in these adolescents contributed to prolonged diagnoses and advocate for independent interpreters to be available on first presentation to hospital.
Ovarian Combined Brenner Tumor, Mucinous Cystadenoma and Struma Ovarii: First Report of a Rare Combination
Authors: Sah Shatrughan , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: August 2018

Brenner tumors are uncommon ovarian neoplasms which occasionally occur in combination with a mucinous tumor. Rarely, the combination of Brenner tumor and thyroid tissue (struma ovarii) has been reported. We report an ovarian neoplasm with components of Brenner tumor, mucinous cystadenoma and struma ovarii. As far as we are aware, this combination has not been previously reported. We speculate on the possible histogenesis of this combination of elements.
Intimacy as Related to Cortisol Reactivity and Recovery in Couples Undergoing Psychosocial Stress
Authors: Ditzen Beate , Germann Janine , Meuwly Nathalie , Bradbury Thomas N. , Bodenmann Guy , Heinrichs Markus
Published: August 2018

Objective

The importance of recovery from stress is evident in times of high prevalence of stress-related diseases. Intimacy has been found to buffer psychobiological stress reactivity, suggesting that emotional and physical closeness might trigger biological mechanisms that underlie the health-beneficial effects of couple relationships. Here, we investigated whether couples' spontaneous expression of intimacy before and after psychosocial stress exposure in the laboratory reduced cortisol reactivity and accelerated recovery.

Methods

Data from 183 couples (366 individuals) were analyzed. Couples were randomly assigned to one of the following three experimental conditions: only the female partner (n = 62), only the male partner (n = 61), or both partners were stressed in parallel (n = 60) with the Trier Social Stress Test. Couples' behavior was videotaped and coded for expressions of intimacy, and saliva samples were taken repeatedly (nine times) to analyze cortisol levels before and after stress. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling.

Results

Observed partner intimacy reduced cortisol responses to stress in women (B = −0.016, SE = 0.006, p = .008), although this effect was eliminated among women using oral contraceptives. Observed partner intimacy also reliably accelerated cortisol recovery in men (B = −0.002, SE = 0.001, p = .023) and women (B = −0.002, SE = 0.001, p = .016).

Conclusions

Spontaneous nonverbal expressions of intimacy seem to regulate the effects of acute environmental demands on established biological indices of stress response.
Fosfomycin-trometamol for Urinary Tract Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: ten Doesschate Thijs , van Werkhoven Henri , Meijvis Sabine , Stalenhoef Janneke , van Zuilen Arjan , de Vries Aiko , Bonten Marc
Published: August 2018

Background.

The treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with oral antibiotics is complicated by increasing resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and ciprofloxacin. Fosfomycin-trometamol (FT) could be an alternative, but evidence on clinical effectiveness is scarce. We evaluated the use, effectiveness and safety of FT for UTI in KTRs.

Methods.

Data were retrospectively collected in 2 Dutch transplant hospitals from adult KTRs that were treated with FT as initial treatment for lower UTI or asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) or as stepdown treatment for upper UTI after initial intravenous antibiotics. Exclusion criteria were in vitro resistance to FT or concomitant antibiotic treatment. Endpoints were clinical cure within 14 days and severe clinical failure, microbiological cure, relapse, recurrence, and acquired resistance within 90 days postend of treatment.

Results.

Fifty-three episodes in 40 KTRs were included (ASB, n = 15; lower UTI, n = 33; upper UTI, n = 5). Fosfomycin-trometamol was used for a median short duration in a heterogeneous gift interval. Fosfomycin-trometamol resulted in microbiological cure in 25%, 28%, and 100% of ASB, lower UTI and upper UTI with initial positive culture and follow-up culture performed, respectively. Clinical cure rates were 67% for lower UTI and 80% for upper UTI. Relapses or recurrences occurred in 31% and 24% of symptomatic UTI episodes, without severe clinical failure. Acquired resistance to fosfomycin was observed in 6 episodes.

Conclusions.

Fosfomycin-trometamol has a reasonable effectiveness as last-resort oral treatment for lower UTI and stepdown treatment for upper UTI in KTRs. Randomized controlled trials with optimal dosage regimens are warranted. Use of FT is not recommended for ASB.
Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Identifies Antibody-mediated Rejection in Donor Specific Antibody Positive Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Jordan Stanley C. , Bunnapradist Suphamai , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Langone Anthony J. , Hiller David , Yee James P. , Sninsky John J. , Woodward Robert N. , Matas Arthur J.
Published: August 2018

Background

Elevated levels of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in the plasma of renal allograft recipients indicates organ injury and an increased probability of active rejection. Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to HLA antigens are associated with risk of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). This study assessed the combined use of dd-cfDNA and DSA testing to diagnose active ABMR.

Methods

Donor-derived cell-free DNA was assayed in 90 blood samples with paired DSA and clinically indicated biopsies from 87 kidney transplant patients. Sixteen cases met criteria for active ABMR. Performance characteristics of dd-cfDNA for diagnosis of active ABMR were determined for samples with prior or current positive DSA (DSA+, n = 33).

Results

The median level of dd-cfDNA (2.9%) in DSA+ patients with active ABMR was significantly higher than the median level (0.34%) in DSA+ patients without ABMR (P < 0.001). The median level of dd-cfDNA in DSA− patients was 0.29%. The positive predictive value of dd-cfDNA (at 1%) to detect active ABMR in DSA+ patients was 81%, whereas the negative predictive value was 83%. The positive predictive value for DSA+ alone was 48%.

Conclusions

The combined use of dd-cfDNA and DSA testing may improve the noninvasive diagnosis of active ABMR in kidney transplant patients. Patients with dd-cfDNA+/ DSA+ results have a high probability of active ABMR.
A search for snail-related answers to explain differences in response ofSchistosoma mansonito praziquantel treatment among responding and persistent hotspot villages along the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria
Authors: Mutuku M. W. , Laidemitt M. R. , Beechler B. R. , Mwangi I. N. , Otiato F. O. , Agola E. L. , Ochanda H. , Kamel B. , Mkoji G. M. , Steinauer M. L. , Loker E. S.
Published: August 2018

Following a four-year annual praziquantel treatment campaign the resulting prevalence ofS. mansoniwas seen to differ among individual villages along the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria. We have investigated possible inherent differences in snail-related aspects of transmission among such 10 villages, including six persistent hotspot (PHS) villages (≤30% reduction in prevalence following repeated treatments) located along the west-facing shore of the lake, and four PZQ-responding (RESP) villages (>30% prevalence reduction following repeated treatment) along Winam Gulf. When taking into account all sampling sites and times and water hyacinth presence/absence, shoreline-associatedB. sudanicafrom PHS and RESP villages did not differ in relative abundance or prevalence ofS. mansoniinfection. Water hyacinth intrusions were associated with increasedB. sudanicaabundance. The deeper water snailBiomphalaria choanomphalawas significantly more abundant in the PHS villages and prevalence ofS. mansoniamong villages both before and after control was positively correlated withB. choanomphalaabundance. Worm recoveries from sentinel mice did not differ between PHS and RESP villages, and abundance of non-schistosome trematode species was not associated withS. mansoniabundance.Biomphalaria choanomphalaprovides an alternative, deepwater mode of transmission that may favor greater persistence ofS. mansoniin PHS villages. As we found evidence for ongoingS. mansonitransmission in all 10 villages, we conclude conditions conducive for transmission and reinfection occur ubiquitously. This argues for an integrated, basin-wide plan for schistosomiasis control to counteract rapid reinfections facilitated by large snail populations and movements of infected people around the lake.
Metformin Intervention Prevents Cardiac Dysfunction in a murine model of Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Wilmanns Julia C. , Pandey Raghav , Hon Olivia , Chandran Anjana , Schilling Jan M. , Wu Qizhu , Cagnone Gael , Bais Preeti , Phillip Vivek , Kocalis Heidi , Archer Stuart K. , Pearson James T. , Ramialison Mirana , Heineke Joerg , Patel Hemal H. , Rosenthal Nadia A. , Furtado Milena B. , Costa Mauro W.
Published: August 2018

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent birth defect worldwide and the number of adult patients with CHD, now referred to as ACHD, is increasing. However the mechanisms whereby ACHD predisposes patients to heart dysfunction are still unclear. ACHD is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, but how ACHD interacts with poor modern lifestyle choices and other comorbidities, such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes, is mostly unknown. Using a genetic mouse model of ACHD we showed that ACHD mice placed under metabolic stress (high fat diet) displayed decreased heart function. Comprehensive physiological, biochemical and molecular analysis showed that ACHD hearts exhibited early changes in energy metabolism that preceded cardiac dysfunction. Restoration of metabolic balance by metformin prevented the development of heart dysfunction in ACHD mice. This study reveals that early metabolic impairment reinforces heart dysfunction in ACHD predisposed individuals and diet or pharmacological interventions can be used to modulate heart function and attenuate heart failure and may be an important avenue for intervention in ACHD.
Enhanced resistance to bacterial and oomycete pathogens by short tandem target mimic RNAs in tomato
Authors: Canto-Pastor Alex , Santos Bruno AMC. , Valli Adrian A. , Summers William , Schornack Sebastian , Baulcombe David C.
Published: August 2018

Nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins of the plant innate immune system are negatively regulated by the miR482/2118 family microRNAs (miRNAs) that are in a distinct 22nt class of miRNAs with a double mode of action. First they cleave the target RNA, as with the canonical 21nt miR-NAs, and second they trigger secondary siRNA production using the target RNA as a template. Here we address the extent to which the miR482/2118 family affects expression of NLR mR-NAs and disease resistance. First we show that structural differences of miR482/2118 family members in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are functionally significant. The predicted target of the miR482 subfamily is conserved motif in multiple NLR mRNAs whereas, for miR2118b, it is a novel non-coding RNA target formed by rearrangement of several different NLR genes. From RNA sequencing and degradome data in lines expressing short tandem target mimic (STTM) RNAs of miR482/2118 we confirm the different targets of these miRNAs. The effect on NLR mRNA accumulation is slight but, nevertheless, the tomato STTM lines display enhanced resistance to infection with the oomycete and bacterial pathogens. These data implicate an RNA cascade of miRNAs and secondary siRNAs in the regulation of NLR RNAs and show that the encoded NLR proteins have a role in quantitative disease resistance in addition to dominant gene resistance that has been well characterized elsewhere. We also illustrate the use of STTM RNA in a biotechnological approach for enhancing quantitative disease resistance in highly bred cultivars.
How to design an optimal sensor network for the unfolded protein response
Authors: Stroberg Wylie , Aktin Hadar , Savir Yonatan , Schnell Santiago
Published: August 2018

Cellular protein homeostasis requires continuous monitoring of stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Stress detection networks control protein homeostasis by mitigating the deleterious effects of protein accumulation, such as aggregation and misfolding, with precise modulation of chaperone production. Here, we develop a coarse model of the unfolded protein response in yeast, and use multi-objective optimization to determine which sensing and activation strategies optimally balance the trade-off between unfolded protein accumulation and chaperone production. By comparing a stress-sensing mechanism that responds directly to the level of unfolded protein in the ER to a mechanism that is negatively regulated by unbound chaperones, we show that chaperone-mediated sensors are more efficient than sensors that detect unfolded proteins directly. This results from the chaperone-mediated sensor having separate thresholds for activation and deactivation. Lastly, we demonstrate that a sensor responsive to both unfolded protein and unbound chaperone does not further optimize homeostatic control. Our results suggest a strategy for designing stress sensors and may explain why BiP-mitigated ER stress sensing networks have evolved.
Developmental Dynamics of Green Fluorescent Chromatophores in the Daggerblade Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes Pugio Holthuis, 1949 (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Phelps M. P.
Published: August 2018

The daggerblade grass shrimp,Palaemonetes pugioHolthuis 1949 relies heavily on transparency as the primary form of camouflage yet possess several types of pigmented chromatophores located throughout the body. A distinct sub-population of yellow/white chromatophores have been discovered to exhibit brilliant green fluorescence. These cells develop in the embryo and are the primary chromatophore present in larval organisms. Post-larval grass shrimp undergo a major restructuring of the pattern and morphology of fluorescent chromatophores after metamorphosis with chromatophores found uniformly distributed throughout the body and at high concentration on the hepatopancreas and the eye stalks. In adultP. pugiothe number of fluorescent chromatophores is significantly reduced and fluorescence is limited to only a subset of these chromatophores. The novel fluorescent properties of these cells, there relatively high abundance during early life stages, and pattern of development, suggest important cellular functions for these fluorescent chromatophores in grass shrimp.
Single cell dynamics of embryonic muscle progenitor cells in zebrafish
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Ruel Tyler D. , Kocha Katrinka M. , Liao Shan , Huang Peng
Published: August 2018

Muscle stem cells hold a great therapeutic potential in regenerating damaged muscles. However, the in vivo behavior of muscle stem cells during muscle growth and regeneration is still poorly understood. Using zebrafish as a model, we describe the in vivo dynamics and function of dermomyotome cells, a population of embryonic muscle progenitor cells. Dermomyotome cells are located in a superficial layer external to muscle fibers and express many extracellular matrix (ECM) genes including col1a2. Utilizing a new col1a2 transgenic line, we show that dermomyotome cells display a ramified morphology with dynamic cellular processes. Cell lineage tracing demonstrates that col1a2+ dermomyotome cells contribute to normal muscle growth as well as muscle injury repair. Combination of live imaging and single cell clonal analysis reveals a highly-choreographed process of muscle regeneration. Activated dermomyotome cells change from the quiescent ramified morphology to a polarized and elongated morphology and generate daughter cells that fuse with existing muscle fibers. Ablation of the dermomyotome severely compromises muscle injury repair. Our work provides a dynamic view of embryonic muscle progenitor cells during zebrafish muscle regeneration.

Summary statement

Live imaging and single cell clonal analysis reveal dynamic behaviors of zebrafish embryonic muscle progenitor cells in quiescence and activation.
Altered Bacteria-Fungi Inter-Kingdom Network in Gut of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Li Ming , Dai Bingbing , Tang Yawei , Lei Lei , Li Ningning , Liu Chang , Ge Teng , Zhang Lilong , Xu Yao , Hu Yuqi , Li Pengfei , Zhang Yan , Yuan Jieli , Li Xia
Published: August 2018

Intestinal bacterial dysbiosis has been increasingly linked to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), which is a prototypic and best studied subtype of Spondyloarthritis (SpA). Fungi and bacteria coexist in human gut and interact with each other, although they have been shown to contribute actively to health or diseases, no studies have investigated whether fungal microbiota in AS patients is perturbed. In this study, fecal samples of 22 AS patients, with clinical and radiographic assessments, and 16 healthy controls (HCs) were collected to systematically characterize the gut microbiota and mycobiota in AS patients by 16S rDNA and ITS2-based DNA sequencing. The relationships between therapeutic regimens, disease activity, radiographic damage of AS and gut micro/mycobiome were investigated. Our results showed a distinct mycobiota pattern in AS in addition to microbiota dysbiosis. The gut mycobiome of AS patients was characterized by higher taxonomic levels ofAscomycota, especially the class ofDothideomycetes, and decreased abundance ofBasidiomycota, which was mainly contributed by the decease ofAgaricales. Compared to HCs, changing of the ITS2/16S biodiversity ratio, and bacteria-fungi interkingdom network were observed in AS patients. Alteration of gut mycobiota was associated with different therapeutic regimens, disease activity, as well as different degrees of radiographic damage. Moreover, we unraveled a disease-specific interkingdom network alteration in AS. Finally, we also identified some trends suggesting that different therapeutic regimens may induce changing of both bacterial and fungal microbiota in AS.

IMPORTANCE

Human gut is colonized by diverse fungi (mycobiome), and they have long been suspected in the pathogenesis of Spondyloarthritis (SpA). Our study unraveled a disease-specific interkingdom network alteration in AS, suggesting that fungi, or the interkingdom interactions between bacteria and fungi, may play an essential role in AS development. However, limited by sample size and indeep mechanism studies, further large scale investigations on the characterization of gut mycobiome in AS patients are needed to form a foundation for research into the relationship between mycobiota dysbiosis and AS development.
Dynamin is required for efficient cytomegalovirus maturation and envelopment
Authors: Hasan Mohammad H. , Davis Leslie E. , Bollavarapu Ratna K. , Mitra Dipanwita , Parmar Rinkuben , Tandon Ritesh
Published: August 2018

Cytomegalovirus secondary envelopment occurs in a virus-induced cytoplasmic assembly compartment (vAC) generated via a drastic reorganization of the membranes of the secretory and endocytic systems. Dynamin is a eukaryotic GTPase that is implicated in membrane remodeling and endocytic membrane fission events; however, the role of dynamin in cellular trafficking of viruses beyond virus entry is only partially understood. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) engineered to excise all three isoforms of dynamin were infected with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV-K181). Immediate early (IE1; m123) viral protein was detected in these triple dynamin knockout (TKO) cells as well as in mock-induced parental MEF at early times post infection although levels were reduced in TKO cells, indicating that virus entry was affected but not eliminated. Levels of IE1 protein and another viral early protein (m04) were normalized by 48 hours post infection; however, late protein (m55; gB) expression was significantly reduced in infected TKO cells compared to parental MEF. Ultrastructural analysis revealed intact stages of nuclear virus maturation in both cases with equivalent numbers of nucleocapsids containing packaged viral DNA (C-capsids) indicating successful viral DNA replication, capsid assembly and genome packaging. Most importantly, severe defects in virus envelopment were visualized in TKO cells but not in parental cells. Dynamin inhibitor (dynasore) treated MEF showed a phenotype similar to TKO cells upon MCMV infection confirming the role of dynamin in late maturation processes. In summary, dynamin-mediated endocytic pathways are critical for the completion of cytoplasmic stages of cytomegalovirus maturation.

Importance

Viruses are known to exploit specific cellular functions at different stages of their life cycle in order to replicate, avoid immune recognition by the host and to establish a successful infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infected cells are characterized by a prominent cytoplasmic inclusion (virus assembly compartment; vAC) that is the site of virus maturation and envelopment. While endocytic membranes are known to be the functional components of vAC, knowledge of specific endocytic pathways implicated in CMV maturation and envelopment is lacking. Here we show that dynamin, which is an integral part of host endocytic machinery, is largely dispensable for early stages of CMV infection but is required at a late stage of CMV maturation. Studies on dynamin function in CMV infection will help us understand the host-virus interaction pathways amenable to targeting by conventional small molecules as well as by newer generation nucleotide-based therapeutics (e.g. siRNA, CRISPR/CAS gRNA, etc.).
Survival of selected lactic acid bacteria isolated from pineapple waste in refrigerated pineapple juices
Authors: Fang Wu Jannette Wen , Uribe Lidieth , WingChing-Jones Rodolfo , Usaga Jessie , Barboza Natalia
Published: August 2018

The aim of this research was to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from pineapple waste. The survival in refrigerated pineapple juices, of a selected isolate with potential probiotic properties, was also studied. The 16S rRNA andpheSpartial genes were used to identify LAB, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) genes were used in order to separate strains grouping withLactobacillus caseiandL. paracaseiphylogenetically. Tests for survival at pH 2.0, resistance to lysozyme and tolerance to bile salts were used to screen the strains for potential probiotic properties. AL. fermentumisolate was used for the survival study. Three types of pineapple juice made from pulp, a blend of pulp and peel (80:20), and peel extract were inoculated to approximately 106CFU/mL withL. fermentumand stored at 4 °C for up to six weeks. The physicochemical composition of juices, including concentration of fermentable sugars and organic acids, total solids content, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and pH, was determined during the survival study. Two genera and five species were identified. Pineapple juices supported the survival ofL. fermentumduring refrigerated storage but the population of the bacteria decreased over time regardless of the juice type. Juice made from pulp was a more suitable vehicle for the survival of the selected LAB. Some of the juice physicochemical properties, including sugars and organic acids content, pH and titratable acidity, varied significantly (P<0.05) during storage. Further sensory studies are necessary to evaluate consumer acceptance of juices containing the selected isolate.

IMPORTANCE

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from pineapple waste, were phylogenetically analyzed and characterized in regards to their tolerance to pH 2.0, lysozyme and bile salts; showing their potential as probiotic strains, if health benefits associated to their ingestion are eventually confirmed. Moreover, pineapple juice supported the survival ofLactobacillus fermentum, isolated from the same food matrix, during refrigerated storage at 4 °C. Among the three pineapple juices tested (pulp, pulp + peel and peel),L. fermentumsurvived better in juice made from pulp. However, significant variations were observed overtime in some of the physicochemical properties of the juices including sugars and organic acids content, pH and total titratable acidity.
In silico Repositioning of Approved Drugs Against Schistosoma mansoni Energy Metabolism Targets
Authors: Calixto Nicole Melo , dos Santos Daniela Braz , Bezerra José Clecildo Barreto , Silva Lourival de Almeida
Published: August 2018

Schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitosis caused by Schistosoma spp. Praziquantel is used for the chemoprophylaxis and treatment of this disease. Although this monotherapy is effective, the risk of resistance and its low efficiency against immature worms compromises its effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new schistosomicide drugs. However, the development of new drugs is a long and expensive process. The repositioning of approved drugs has been proposed as a quick, cheap, and effective alternative to solve this problem. This study employs chemogenomic analysis with use of bioinformatics tools to search, identify, and analyze data on approved drugs with the potential to inhibit Schistosoma mansoni energy metabolism enzymes. The TDR Targets Database, Gene DB, Protein, DrugBank, Therapeutic Targets Database (TTD), Promiscuous, and PubMed databases were used. Fifty-nine target proteins were identified, of which 18 had one or more approved drugs. The results identified 20 potential drugs for schistosomiasis treatment, all approved for use in humans.
Cleaner wrasse pass the mark test. What are the implications for consciousness and self-awareness testing in animals?
Authors: Kohda Masanori , Hotta Takashi , Takeyama Tomohiro , Awata Satoshi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Asai Jun-ya , Jordan L. Alex
Published: August 2018

The ability to perceive and recognise a reflected mirror image as self (mirror self-recognition, MSR) is considered a hallmark of cognition across species. Although MSR has been reported in mammals and birds, it is not known to occur in any other major taxon. A factor potentially limiting the ability to test for MSR is that the established assay for MSR, the mark test, shows an interpretation bias towards animals with the dexterity (or limbs) required to touch a mark. Here, we show that the cleaner wrasse fish, Labroides dimidiatus, passes through all phases of the mark test: (i) social reactions towards the reflection, (ii) repeated idiosyncratic behaviours towards the mirror (contingency testing), and (iii) frequent observation of their reflection. When subsequently provided with a coloured tag, individuals attempt to remove the mark in the presence of a mirror but show no response towards transparent marks, or to coloured marks in the absence of a mirror. This remarkable finding presents a challenge to our interpretation of the mark test – do we accept that these behavioural responses in the mark test, which are taken as evidence of self-recognition in other species, mean that fish are self-aware? Or do we conclude that these behavioural patterns have a basis in a cognitive process other than self-recognition? If the former, what does this mean for our understanding of animal intelligence? If the latter, what does this mean for our application and interpretation of the mark test as a metric for animal cognitive abilities?
Aged-senescent cells contribute to impaired heart regeneration
Authors: Lewis-McDougall Fiona C. , Ruchaya Prashant J. , Domenjo-Vila Eva , Teoh Tze Shin , Prata Larissa , Cottle Beverley J. , Clark James E. , Punjabi Prakash P. , Awad Wael , Torella Daniele , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James L. , Ellison-Hughes Georgina M.
Published: August 2018

Aging leads to increased cellular senescence and is associated with decreased potency of tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells. Here we have done an extensive analysis of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) isolated from human subjects with cardiovascular disease (n=119), aged 32-86 years. In aged subjects (>74 years old) over half of CPCs are senescent (p16INK4A, SA-β-gal, DNA damage γH2AX, telomere length, Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP)), unable to replicate, differentiate, regenerate or restore cardiac function following transplantation into the infarcted heart. SASP factors secreted by senescent CPCs renders otherwise healthy CPCs to senescence. Elimination of senescent CPCs using senolytics abrogates the SASP and its debilitative effectin vitro. Global elimination of senescent cells in aged mice (INK-ATTAC or wildtype mice treated with D+Q senolytics)in vivoactivates resident CPCs (0.23±0.06% vs. 0.01±0.01% vehicle; p<0.05) and increased the number of small, proliferating Ki67-, EdU-positive cardiomyocytes (0.25±0.07% vs. 0.03±0.03% vehicle; p<0.05). Therapeutic approaches that eliminate senescent cells may alleviate cardiac deterioration with aging and rejuvenate the regenerative capacity of the heart.
SciPhon: a data analysis software for nuclear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering with applications to Fe, Kr, Sn, Eu and Dy
Authors: Dauphas Nicolas , Hu Michael Y. , Baker Erik M. , Hu Justin , Tissot Francois L. H. , Alp E. Ercan , Roskosz Mathieu , Zhao Jiyong , Bi Wenli , Liu Jin , Lin Jung-Fu , Nie Nicole X. , Heard Andrew
Published: August 2018

The synchrotron radiation technique of nuclear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (NRIXS), also known as nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy or nuclear inelastic scattering, provides a wealth of information on the vibrational properties of solids. It has found applications in studies of lattice dynamics and elasticity, superconductivity, heme biochemistry, seismology, isotope geochemistry and many other fields. It involves probing the vibrational modes of solids by using the nuclear resonance of Mössbauer isotopes such as 57Fe, 83Kr, 119Sn, 151Eu and 161Dy. After data reduction, it provides the partial phonon density of states of the Mössbauer isotope that is investigated, as well as many other derived quantities such as the mean force constant of the chemical bonds and the Debye velocity. The data reduction is, however, not straightforward and involves removal of the elastic peak, normalization and Fourier–Log transformation. Furthermore, some of the quantities derived are highly sensitive to details in the baseline correction. A software package and several novel procedures to streamline and hopefully improve the reduction of the NRIXS data generated at sector 3ID of the Advanced Photon Source have been developed. The graphical user interface software is named SciPhon and runs as a Mathematica package. It is easily portable to other platforms and can be easily adapted for reducing data generated at other beamlines. Several tests and comparisons are presented that demonstrate the usefulness of this software, whose results have already been used in several publications. Here, the SciPhon software is used to reduce Kr, Sn, Eu and Dy NRIXS data, and potential implications for interpreting natural isotopic variations in those systems are discussed.
A thermally stable three-dimensional cobalt(II) coordination polymer based on the V-shaped ligand 4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)isophthalate
Authors: Li Shao-Dong , Lu Li-Ping , Zhu Miao-Li
Published: August 2018

A new cobalt(II) coordination polymer (CP), poly[[bis[μ6-4-(4-carboxylatophenoxy)benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ6
O
1:O
1:O
3:O
3′:O
4:O
4′]bis(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)tricobalt(II)] 0.72-hydrate], {[Co3(C15H7O7)2(C12H8N2)2]·0.72H2O}
n
, (I), is constructed from CoII ions and 4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)isophthalate (cpoia3−) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands. Based on centrosymmetric trinuclear [Co3(phen)2(COO)6] secondary building units (SBUs), the structure of (I) is a three-dimensional CP with a (3,6)-connected net and point symbol (42.6)2(44.62.87.102). The positions of four [Co3(phen)2(COO)6] SBUs and four cpoia3− ligands reproduce a Chinese-knot-shaped arrangement along the ab plane. (I) has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermostability analysis. It shows a good thermal stability from room temperature to 673 K. In addition, the temperature dependence of the magnetic properties was measured.
Composite host lattices of 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoate water/boric acid in two tetrapropylammonium inclusion compounds
Authors: Wu Xiangxiang , Zeng Huahui , Yang Yunxia
Published: August 2018

Two novel inclusion compounds of 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoate anions and tetrapropylammonium cations with different ancillary molecules of water and boric acid, namely bis(tetrapropylammonium) 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoate dihydrate, 2C12H28N+·C14H8O6S2−·H2O (1), and bis(tetrapropylammonium) 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoate bis(boric acid), 2C12H28N+·C14H8O6S2−·2H3BO3 (2), were prepared and characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the two salts, the host 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid molecules, which are converted to the corresponding anions under basic conditions, can be regarded as proton acceptors which link different proton donors of the ancillary molecules of water or boric acid. In this way, an isolated hydrogen-bonded tetramer is constructed in salt 1 and a ribbon is constructed in salt 2. The tetramers and ribbons are then packed in a repeating manner to generate various host frameworks, and the tetrapropylammonium guest counter-ions are contained in the cavities of the host lattices to give the final stable crystal structures. In these two salts, although the host anion and guest cation are the same, the difference in the ancillary small molecules results in different structures, indicating the significance of ancillary molecules in the formation of crystal structures.
Crystal structure of (methanol-κO)[5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2-aminophenyl)porphyrinato-κ4
N]zinc(II)–chloroform–methanol (1/1/1)
Authors: Leben Lisa , Näther Christian , Herges Rainer
Published: August 2018

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Zn(C44H32N8)(CH3OH)]·CHCl3·CH3OH, the ZnII cation is coordinated by four porphyrin N and one methanol O atom within a slightly distorted square-pyramidal environment and is shifted out of the porphyrin plane towards the direction of the methanol molecule. The methyl group of the coordinating methanol molecule is disordered over two sets of sites. The porphyrin backbone is nearly planar and the phenyl rings are almost perpendicular to the porphyrin plane. As is typical for picket-fence porphyrins, all four ortho substituents of the meso-phenyl groups (here the amino groups) are facing to the same side of the porphyrin molecule. In the crystal structure, two neighbouring porphyrin complexes form centrosymmetric dimers that are connected via O—H...N hydrogen bonding. With the aid of additional N—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonding, these dimers are stacked into columns parallel to [010] that are finally arranged into layers parallel to (001). Between these layers channels are formed where chloroform solvent molecules are located that are connected to the porphyrin complexes by weak C—H...Cl hydrogen bonding. There are additional cavities in the structure where some small residual electron density is found, indicating the presence of disordered methanol molecules, but a reasonable model could not be refined. Therefore the contribution of the electron density associated with the methanol solvent molecule was removed with the SQUEEZE procedure [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18] in PLATON. Nevertheless, the given chemical formula and other crystal data take into account the methanol solvent molecule.
Crystal structure and theoretical studies of two π-conjugated fused-ring chalcones: (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one and (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-[4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Zainuri Dian Alwani , Razak Ibrahim Abdul , Arshad Suhana
Published: August 2018

The title chalcones, C31H23NO and C35H23NO, were synthesized via Claisen–Schmidt condensation reactions. Both structures were solved and refined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and optimized at the ground state using the density functional theory (DFT) method with the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. In the crystals, π–π interations and weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions are observed. The effect of these intermolecular interactions in the solid state can be seen by the difference between the experimental and theoretical optimized geometrical parameters. The structures have also been characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The smallest energy gaps of 2.86 and 2.96 eV enhance the nonlinear responses of such molecular systems. Hirshfeld surface analyses and 2D (two-dimensional) fingerprint plots were used to quantify the intermolecular interactions present in the crystal, indicating that these are the most important contribution to the crystal packing.
Bis(3-carbamoylpyridin-1-ium) phosphite monohydrate
Authors: Fábry Jan
Published: August 2018

Two of the constituent molecules in the title structure, 2C6H7N2O+·HPO3
2−·H2O, i.e. the phosphite anion and the water molecule, are situated on a symmetry plane. The molecules are held together by moderate N—H...O and O—H...N, and weak O—H...O and C—H...Ocarbonyl hydrogen bonds in which the amide and secondary amine groups, and the water molecules are involved. The structural features are usual, among them the H atom bonded to the P atom avoids hydrogen bonding.
Efficacy of adaptive reuse for the redevelopment of underutilised historical buildings
Authors: Aigwi Itohan Esther , Egbelakin Temitope , Ingham Jason
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Most provincial town centres in New Zealand typically feature old and vacant historical buildings, the majority of which possess heritage values. The growing perception that it is cheaper to repurpose vacant historical buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them is one of the factors that have made the adaptive reuse approach so popular. However, will this also be the case for provincial town centres in New Zealand? The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the key factors that could influence the efficacy of adaptive reuse, and check for significant differences in the effect that each perceived factor would have on the adaptive reuse efficacy as a justifiable resilient and sustainable approach towards the regeneration of a major provincial town centre in New Zealand that is currently experiencing inner-city shrinkage.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group workshop was conducted with 22 stakeholders involved in an existing town centre regeneration agenda for Whanganui. Closed-ended questionnaires were administered to the workshop participants to measure their opinions regarding the efficacy of the adaptive reuse approach for the regeneration of Whanganui’s town centre. The participant mix comprised a combination of structural engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, estate valuers, building owners/developers, legal representatives, heritage representatives and local government council representatives.

Findings

The study reported a high proportion of respondents that strongly agreed to the positive impacts of adaptive reuse with regards to the discussed priority aspects, hence, justifying the efficacy of the approach, towards delivering a vibrant town centre for Whanganui. Also, the Friedman’s analysis suggests that no significant differences existed among all perceived adaptive reuse efficacy criteria by the workshop participants, therefore justifying the approach.

Originality/value

This paper’s originality pertains to the practicality of changing the use of vacant historical buildings in Whanganui, which is one of New Zealand’s major provincial town centres, to renegotiate resilience and sustainable urban regeneration for the area.
Investigating the in-plane flexibility of steel-deck composite floors in steel structures
Authors: Bazarchi Ehsan , Hosseinzadeh Yousef , Panjebashi Aghdam Parinaz
Published: August 2018

Purpose

It is common practice in structural engineering to assume floor diaphragms infinitely stiff in their own plane. But, most of the code provisions lack clarity and unity in categorising floor diaphragms and discussing their behaviour based on the seismic response of the structures. Besides, although many of these code provisions have presented simple techniques and formulations for determining the level of flexibility in floor diaphragms, the implementation of these techniques on more complex floor systems such as the steel-deck composite floors is still under question. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an equivalent concrete floor is employed as a representative of in-plane diaphragm action of steel-deck composite floor, using simple modelling techniques in SAP2000 and the results are validated by complex structural models developed in ABAQUS. Afterwards, the equivalent floor is inserted to 3, 5 and 7 storey steel structures with 2, 3 and 5 plan aspect ratios in two categories of structures with rigid diaphragms and analogous structures with flexible diaphragms and the responses are compared to each other.

Findings

The results show that the proposed technique is an effective method for evaluating the diaphragm action of steel-deck composite floors. Additionally, it is concluded that, the boundary values of plan aspect ratio equal to 3 and λ coefficient equal to 0.5 in steel-deck composite floors, mentioned in code provisions for categorising diaphragms, are not always conservative and need to be scrutinised.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology provides simple framework for assessing the effects of in-plane flexibility of steel-deck composite on seismic response of steel structures.