bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The spread of chloramphenicol-resistantNeisseria meningitidisin Southeast Asia
Authors: Batty Elizabeth M. , Cusack Tomas-Paul , Thaipadungpanit Janjira , Watthanaworawit Wanitda , Carrara Verena , Sihalath Somsavanh , Hopkins Jill , Soeng Sona , Ling Clare , Turner Paul , Dance David A.B.
Published: December 2019

Invasive disease caused byNeisseria meningitidisis a significant health concern globally, but our knowledge of the prevailing serogroups, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and genetics ofN. meningitidisin Southeast Asia is limited. Chloramphenicol resistance inN. meningitidishas rarely been reported, but was first described in isolates from Vietnam in 1998. Using whole-genome sequencing of meningococcal isolates from 18 patients collected between 2007 and 2018 from diagnostic microbiology laboratories in Cambodia, Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos), of which eight were non-susceptible to chloramphenicol, we report the spread of this chloramphenicol-resistant lineage ofN. meningitidisacross Southeast Asia. Strains resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin were also observed, including a chloramphenicol-resistant strain from the previously-described lineage which has acquired penicillin and ciprofloxacin resistance, and most isolates were of serogroup B. This study suggests that chloramphenicol-resistantN. meningitidisis more widespread than previously thought.
Spatial mapping of cell types by integration of transcriptomics data
Authors: Andersson Alma , Bergenstråhle Joseph , Asp Michaela , Bergenstråhle Ludvig , Jurek Aleksandra , Navarro José Fernández , Lundeberg Joakim
Published: December 2019

Spatial transcriptomics and single cell RNA-sequencing offer complementary insights into the transcriptional expression landscape. We here present a probabilistic method that integrates data from both techniques, leveraging their respective strengths in such a way that we are able to spatially map cell types to a tissue. The method is applied to several different types of tissue where the spatial cell type topographies are successfully delineated.
Network analysis of promoter interactions reveals the hierarchical differences in genome organisation between human pluripotent states
Authors: Chovanec Peter , Collier Amanda J. , Krueger Christel , Várnai Csilla , Schoenfelder Stefan , Corcoran Anne , Rugg-Gunn Peter J.
Published: December 2019

SUMMARY

A complex and poorly understood interplay between 3D genome organisation, transcription factors and chromatin state underpins cell identity. To gain a systems-level understanding of this interplay, we generated a high-resolution atlas of annotated chromatin interactions in naïve and primed human pluripotent stem cells and developed a network-graph approach to examine the atlas at multiple spatial scales. Investigating chromatin interactions as a network uncovered highly connected hubs that changed substantially in interaction frequency and in transcriptional co-regulation between pluripotent states. Small hubs frequently merged to form larger networks in primed cells, often linked by newly-formed Polycomb-associated interactions. Importantly, we identified state-specific differences in enhancer activity and interactivity that corresponded with widespread reconfiguration of transcription factor binding and target gene expression. These findings provide multilayered insights into the gene regulatory control of human pluripotency and our systems-based network approach could be applied broadly to uncover new principles of 3D genome organisation.
Polinton-like viruses and virophages are widespread in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Bellas Christopher M. , Sommaruga Ruben
Published: December 2019

Polintons are virus-like transposable elements found in the genomes of eukaryotes that are considered the ancient ancestors of most eukaryotic dsDNA viruses1,2. Recently, a number of Polinton-Like Viruses (PLVs) have been discovered in algal genomes and environmental metagenomes3, which share characteristics and core genes with both Polintons and virophages (Lavidaviridae)4. These viruses could be the first members of a major class of ancient eukaryotic viruses, however, only a few complete genomes are known and it is unclear whether most are free viruses or are integrated algal elements3. Here we show that PLVs form an expansive network of globally distributed viruses, associated with a range of eukaryotic hosts. We identified PLVs as amongst the most abundant individual viruses present in a freshwater lake virus metagenome (virome), showing they are hundreds of times more abundant in the virus size fraction than in the microbial one. Using the major capsid protein genes as bait, we retrieved hundreds of related viruses from publicly available datasets. A network-based analysis of 976 new PLV and virophage genomes combined with 64 previously known genomes revealed that they represent at least 61 distinct viral clusters, with some PLV members associated with fungi, oomycetes and algae. Our data reveals that PLVs are widespread in predominantly freshwater environments and together with virophages, represent a broad group of eukaryotic viruses which share a number of genes.
The evolutionary origins of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family – cell death or differentiation?
Authors: Steichele Mona , Böttger Angelika
Published: December 2019

TNF-R, TNF, and FADD family members are conserved in the fresh water polypHydra.Moreover,Hydraexpresses HyTNF-R adaptor proteins similar to the vertebrate TNF-receptor associated factors TRAF-4 and TRAF-6. HyTNF-R is closest related to the human ectodysplasin receptor EDAR, which is involved in epithelial cell differentiation, e.g. the formation of hair and tooth cells in mammals. Consistent with a similar function inHydra, we show here that HyTNF-R protein is localised very specifically in battery cells and in such epithelial cells of the body column that incorporate nematocytes. Epithelial cell differentiation is therefore an evolutionary ancient function of TNF-R/TNF-protein superfamily members. We also show that twoHydra-FADD proteins co-localise withHydracaspases possessing death (DD) or death effector (DED) domains in death effector filaments in human cells. Caspase recruitment by members of the FADD-protein family might therefore also be an ancient trait. Future research will have to discover the up-stream pathways, which govern this potential apoptotic pathway inHydraand whether it is extrinsically or intrinsically induced.
Identification of two aptamers binding toLegionella pneumophilawith high affinity and specificity
Authors: Saad Mariam , Chinerman Deanna , Tabrizian Maryam , Faucher Sebastien P.
Published: December 2019

Legionella pneumophila(Lp) is a water borne bacterium causing Legionnaires’ Disease (LD) in humans. Rapid detection ofLpin water system is essential to reduce the risk of LD outbreaks. The methods currently available require expert skills and are time intensive, thus delaying intervention. In situ detection ofLpby biosensor would allow rapid implementation of control strategies. To this end, a biorecognition element is required. Aptamers are considered promising biorecognition molecules for biosensing. Aptamers are short oligonucleotide sequence folding into a specific structure and are able to bind to specific molecules. Currently no aptamer and thus no aptamer-based technology exists for the detection ofLp.In this study, Systemic Evolution of Ligands through EXponential enrichment (SELEX) was used to identify aptamers binding specifically toLp. Ten rounds of positive selection and two rounds of counter-selection against twoPseudomonasspecies were performed. Two aptamers binding strongly toLpwere identified withKDof 116 and 135 nM. Binding specificity of these two aptamers toLpwas confirmed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Therefore, these two aptamers are promising biorecognition molecules for the detection ofLpin water systems.
Operando X-ray scattering study of thermoelectric β-Zn4Sb3
Authors: Rabøl Jørgensen Lasse , Moeslund Zeuthen Christian , Andersen Borup Kasper , Roelsgaard Martin , Lau Nyborg Broge Nils , Beyer Jonas , Brummerstedt Iversen Bo
Published: December 2019

The application of thermoelectrics for energy harvesting depends strongly on operational reliability and it is therefore desirable to investigate the structural integrity of materials under operating conditions. We have developed an operando setup capable of simultaneously measuring X-ray scattering data and electrical resistance on pellets subjected to electrical current. Here, operando investigations of β-Zn4Sb3 are reported at current densities of 0.5, 1.14 and 2.3 A mm−2. At 0.5 A mm−2 no sample decomposition is observed, but Rietveld refinements reveal increased zinc occupancy from the anode to the cathode demonstrating zinc migration under applied current. At 1.14 A mm−2 β-Zn4Sb3 decomposes into ZnSb, but pair distribution function analysis shows that Zn2Sb2 units are preserved during the decomposition. This identifies the mobile zinc in β-Zn4Sb3 as the linkers between the Zn2Sb2 units. At 2.3 A mm−2 severe Joule heating triggers transition into the γ-Zn4Sb3 phase, which eventually decomposes into ZnSb, demonstrating Zn ion mobility also in γ-Zn4Sb3 under electrical current.
Polymorph evolution during crystal growth studied by 3D electron diffraction
Authors: Broadhurst Edward T. , Xu Hongyi , Clabbers Max T. B. , Lightowler Molly , Nudelman Fabio , Zou Xiaodong , Parsons Simon
Published: December 2019

3D electron diffraction (3DED) has been used to follow polymorph evolution in the crystallization of glycine from aqueous solution. The three polymorphs of glycine which exist under ambient conditions follow the stability order β < α < γ. The least stable β polymorph forms within the first 3 min, but this begins to yield the α-form after only 1 min more. Both structures could be determined from continuous rotation electron diffraction data collected in less than 20 s on crystals of thickness ∼100 nm. Even though the γ-form is thermodynamically the most stable polymorph, kinetics favour the α-form, which dominates after prolonged standing. In the same sample, some β and one crystallite of the γ polymorph were also observed.
Application of sensitive dimensionless parameters and PSO–SVM for fault classification in rotating machinery
Authors: Qin Aisong , Hu Qin , Zhang Qinghua , Lv Yunrong , Sun Guoxi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Rotating machineries are widely used in manufacturing, petroleum, chemical, aircraft, and other industries. To accurately identify the operating conditions of such rotating machineries, this paper aims to propose a fault diagnosis method based on sensitive dimensionless parameters and particle swarm optimization (PSO)–support vector machine (SVM) for reducing the unexpected downtime and economic losses.

Design/methodology/approach

A relatively new hybrid intelligent fault classification approach is proposed by integrating multiple dimensionless parameters, the Fisher criterion and PSO–SVM. In terms of data pre-processing, a method based on wavelet packet decomposition (WPD), empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and dimensionless parameters is proposed for the extraction of the vibration signal features. The Fisher criterion is applied to reduce the redundant dimensionless parameters and search for the sensitive dimensionless parameters. Then, PSO is adapted to optimize the penalty parameter and kernel parameter for SVM. Finally, the sensitive dimensionless parameters are classified with the optimized model.

Findings

As two different time–frequency analysis methods, a method based on a combination of WPD and EMD used to extract multiple dimensionless parameters is presented. More vital diagnosis information can be obtained from the vibration signals than by only using a single time–frequency analysis method. Besides, a fault classification approach combining the sensitive dimensionless parameters and PSO-SVM classifier is proposed. The comparative experiment results show that the proposed method has a high classification accuracy and efficiency.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, very few efforts have been performed for fault classification using multiple dimensionless parameters. In this paper, eighty dimensionless parameters have been studied intensively, which provides a new strategy in fault diagnosis field.
Consumers’ reactions to cross-border acquisitions
Authors: Resciniti Riccardo , Matarazzo Michela , Baima Gabriele
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on consumers’ reactions to cross-border acquisitions (CBA) by exploring the role of consumer perceptions of the psychic distance between the country of the acquirer and that of the target firm when the acquiring corporation has a good or poor reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2×2 experimental design which manipulated psychic distance and acquirer’s corporate reputation was conducted in Italy. The study considers an Italian food target firm and compares four foreign acquiring firms with different combinations of corporate reputation (good/poor) and psychic distance to Italy (small/large).

Findings

The authors found that the degree of psychic distance between the countries of the acquiring and targeted firms was inversely related to Italian consumers’ intentions to repurchase the products of the post-acquisition target, and unrelated to the acquirer’s corporate reputation.

Originality/value

This is the first study focusing on psychic distance in the context of CBA, especially from the perspective of consumer behavior, which can help to better understand certain negative reactions toward the acquisition of a business.
Country-of-origin effect and millennials’ wine preferences–a comparative experiment
Authors: Foroudi Pantea , Cuomo Maria Teresa , Rossi Matteo , Festa Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

Purpose

For wine consumers, the country-of-origin effect still exerts significant influence, even though probably differently from what it was earlier, especially for newer consumer segments. Among these, millennials represent the most interesting segment of the present and future, even though studies on millennials’ behaviour are insidious and newer consumer segments are emerging (Generation Z). The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focusses on this parameter through a comparative analysis of French and Italian wines – first, on the country-of-origin effect on millennials’ wine preferences, and second, on the possibility of managing this influence by adopting a wine marketing mix based on the innovative 4Es model.

Findings

The outcomes of the experiment on 121 millennials, despite the limitations of the study, highlight interesting changes – compared with the wine consumption behaviours of the past – regarding the country-of-origin effect and the possibility of managing it.

Originality/value

The results confirm, similar to the literature on the 4Es model, the possibility of wide areas of action for wine educational marketing initiatives that can change or enhance the country-of-origin perception.
Retrospect and prospect: development of China’s economics in the past 70 years
Authors: Shi Jinchuan , Jianliang Ye
Published: December 2019

Purpose

In the past 70 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, China’s economic studies have been constantly centered on major issues such as national modernization, social economic development and the establishment, reform and improvement of socialist economic system. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

It has experienced a process of transition from the establishment of traditional Soviet’s paradigm of political economics to that of modern economics, during which drastic changes have been observed in various aspects of China’s economics, including research content, scope and methods.

Findings

Based on that, a discipline system of economics in line with international economics has been initially established. Currently, under the guidance of Marxism, scholars in China’s economics actively draw on the beneficial knowledge system and analytical methods from modern economics, emancipate their minds, seek truth from facts and constantly fortify confidence in the socialist path, theory, system and culture, continuously enhance the discourse power of China’s economics in global economic governance system, so as to push forward to the building of a theoretical system of socialist economics with Chinese Characteristics in the new era.

Originality/value

Economics is a discipline that studies resource allocation and human’s behavior of making a choice based on rationality. Emerged in the industrial revolution and developed in the exploration of a large-scale socialized mode of production and resource allocation system, this discipline has gradually become a broadly explanatory force in social sciences which profoundly affects the economic decision-making behaviors of the government and various economic entities.
Hydrodynamic and thermal flow in nanochannel to study effects of roughness by estimation the atoms positions via MD method
Authors: Wu Huawei , Torkian Peyman , Zarei Amir , Moradi Iman , Karimipour Arash , Afrand Masoud
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate atoms type and channel roughness effects on fluid behavior in nanochannel.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of mechanical properties of these structures are reported in this work by using molecular dynamics method.

Findings

The results show that nanochannel roughness is a limiting factor in flowing fluid in nanochannel. Moreover, fluids with less atomic weight have more free movement in ideal and non-ideal nanochannels.

Originality/value

For the study of mechanical properties of fluid/nanochannel system, the authors calculated parameters such as potential energy, density, temperature and velocity profiles of simulated fluids.
Modelling P2P Airbnb online host advertising effectiveness: the role of emotional appeal information completeness creativity and social responsibility
Authors: Wisker Zazli Lily , Kadirov Djavlonbek , Bone Catherine
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors that influence peer-to-peer online host advertising effectiveness (POHAE). The study posits that POHAE is a multidimensional construct supported by emotional appeal, information completeness, advertising creativity and social responsibility practices influencing purchase intention and positive word of mouth. Perceived value is hypothesised as the moderating variable for the relationship between POHAE and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data were collected from New Zealand through a quasi-experimental survey. A total of 95 people participated in the experiment. The study uses one-way repeated measures design ANOVA to test Hypothesis 1 and MEMORE model to test the effects of mediation and moderation for repeated measures.

Findings

Results are significant to the study model. ANOVA results show that the assumption of sphericity is not violated: Mauchly’s W, Greenhouse–Geisser, Huynh–Feldt estimates are equal to one, suggesting that the data are perfectly spherical. The mediation and moderation effects for repeated measure designs are also significant. The tests are based on 95 per cent Monte Carlo confidence interval and 20,000 bootstrapping samples.

Research limitations/implications

This study enhances the hierarchy of effects theory (HOE) (Lavidge and Steiner, 1961), which posits that consumers respond to a specific marketing communication through three components: the cognitive component, which is measured by an individual’s intellectual, mental or rational states; the affective component that refers to an individual’s emotional and feeling states; and finally the conative or motivational state, that is, the striving state relating to the tendency to treat objects as positive or negative. This study observes significant paths from POHAE to purchase intention and word of mouth. Limitations include a small sample size (95) and not regressing the POHAE variables individually on purchase intention and word of mouth.

Practical implications

Given the absence of a brand, as in the Airbnb host advertisement, attention should be given to writing the adverts effectively. Advertising creativity does not only hold for graphics and personal pictures but also for the hosts who need to be creative in crafting their advertisement text. Elements such as social responsibility practice and creativity should also not be overlooked.

Social implications

This study provides insights on how to effectively communicate with potential customers in a peer-to-peer marketplace.

Originality/value

This study provides an insight into peer-to-peer marketplaces on the importance of marketing communication strategies by providing more attention to writing advertisement texts. It is important to understand the variables that influence consumers’ motivation in responding to Airbnb online advertisements.
Listening to the voice of students, developing a service quality measuring and evaluating framework for a special course
Authors: Tóth Zsuzsanna Eszter , Surman Vivien
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a service quality measuring and evaluating framework for courses that are not part of the regular end-of-semester course evaluation system because of their special characteristics. The results of an academic year-long application are also to be demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the SERVQUAL methodology and specific models proposed in the literature, altogether 26 statements related to project works were formulated, in case of which, students rated both the importance and performance addressed in each statement on a seven-point Likert scale. With an average 68 per cent response rate and more than 500 filled out questionnaires, importance-performance analyses complemented with statistical analysis were executed to investigate whether there are any differences between the different levels of project work courses, programmes, levels of studies and sub-departments. These results were then followed by focus group interviews by further addressing the importance issues.

Findings

Based on the joint conclusions drawn from the statistical analyses and extracted from focus groups, those statements were highlighted that can be considered as dealing with critical to quality issues. The results have been utilized to adjust the questionnaire according to the “voice of students”.

Research limitations/implications

A complex approach is adopted to measure and evaluate service quality on a course level in the form of a post-course questionnaire. The first results lay the foundation for managerial decisions related to project work courses and supervising processes according to the plan–do–check–act philosophy.

Originality/value

During project works, students can master the necessary professional knowledge and those inevitable soft skills that are needed to be successful in the labour market. Therefore, the measurement and evaluation of project work courses may provide new information on course-level service quality and may be linked to total student experience results.
Police stress and depressive symptoms: role of coping and hardiness
Authors: Allison Penelope , Mnatsakanova Anna , McCanlies Erin , Fekedulegn Desta , Hartley Tara A. , Andrew Michael E. , Violanti John M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Chronic exposure to occupational stress may lead to depressive symptoms in police officers. The association between police stress and depressive symptoms and the potential influences of coping and hardiness were evaluated. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Stress level was assessed in the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress Study (2004–2009) with the Spielberger Police Stress Survey. The frequency and severity of events at work were used to calculate stress indices for the past year. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms during the past week. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between the stress indices and depressive symptom scores. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, smoking status and alcohol intake, and stratified by median values for coping (passive, active and support seeking) and hardiness (control, commitment and challenge) to assess effect modification.

Findings

Among the 388 officers (73.2 percent men), a significant positive association was observed between total stress and the CES-D score (β=1.98 (SE=0.36); p<0.001). Lower CES-D scores were observed for officers who reported lower passive coping (β=0.94 (SE=0.45); p=0.038) and higher active coping (β=1.41 (SE=0.44); p=0.002), compared with their counterparts. Officers higher in hardiness had lower CES-D scores, particularly for commitment (β=0.86 (SE=0.35); p=0.016) and control (β=1.58 (SE=0.34); p<0.001).

Originality/value

Results indicate that high active coping and hardiness modify the effect of work stress in law enforcement, acting to reduce depressive symptoms.
Dendritic cells: The driver of psoriasis
Authors: Wang Ao , Bai YanPing
Published: December 2019

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammatory disorder, the immune mechanism of which has been profoundly elucidated in the past few years. The dominance of the interleukin (IL)‐23/IL‐17 axis is a significant breakthrough in the understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and treatment targeting IL‐23 and IL‐17 has successfully benefited patients with the disease. The skin contains a complex network of dendritic cells (DC) mainly composed of epidermal Langerhans cells, bone marrow‐derived dermal conventional DC, plasmacytoid DC and inflammatory DC. As the prominent cellular source of α‐interferon, tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐12 and IL‐23, DC play a pivotal role in psoriasis. Thus, targeting pathogenic DC subsets is a valid strategy for alleviating and preventing psoriasis and other DC‐derived diseases. In this review, we survey the known role of DC in this disease.
The microbiome and women’s health: perspectives and controversies
Authors: Witkin Steven S , Forney Larry J
Published: December 2019

Guest Editor, Larry J Forney, highlights articles from this themed issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/microbiome-issue
Architecting Process of Care: A randomized controlled study evaluating the impact of providing nonadherence information and pharmacist assistance to physicians
Authors: McConnell Margaret , Rogers William , Simeonova Emilia , Wilson Ira B.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To test the impact of connecting physicians, pharmacists, and patients to address medication nonadherence, and to compare different physician choice architectures.

Data Sources and Study Setting

The study was conducted with 90 physicians and 2602 of their patients on medications treating chronic illness.

Study Design

In this cluster randomized controlled trial, physicians were randomly assigned to an arm where the physician receives notification of patient nonadherence derived from real‐time claims data, an arm where they receive this information and a pharmacist may contact patients either by default or by physician choice, and a control group. The primary outcome was resolving nonadherence within 30 days. We also considered physician engagement outcomes including viewing information about nonadherence and utilizing a pharmacist.

Data Collection

Physician engagement was constructed from metadata from the study website; adherence outcomes were constructed from medication claims.

Principal Findings

We see no differences between the treatment arms and control for the primary adherence outcome. The pharmacist intervention was 42 percentage points (95% CI: 28 pp–56 pp) more likely when it was triggered by default.

Conclusions

Access to a pharmacist and real‐time nonadherence information did not improve patient adherence. Physician process of care was sensitive to choice architecture.
Clinical practice recommendations for the use of imaging in the diagnosis and management of axial spondyloarthritis in Taiwan
Authors: Wei James Cheng‐Chung , Chen Hsin‐Hua , Hsieh Tsu‐Yi , Lan Howard Haw‐Chang , Tseng Jui‐Cheng , Liu Chin‐Hsiu , Chen Ying‐Chou , Tsai Wen‐Chan , Wu Hung‐Ta Hondar , Chou Chung‐Tei
Published: December 2019

Objective

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease bearing challenges in early diagnosis. To improve clinical diagnosis and management of axSpA, recommendations were developed with current axSpA classification criteria and recent advances in medical imaging applications.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted by 10 rheumatologists and radiologists in Taiwan to retrieve research evidence on the utilization of imaging modalities, including conventional radiography (CR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), quantitative sacroiliac scintigraphy (QSS), and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). The panel of experts proposed six key issues on the role of imaging in early diagnosis of axSpA, monitoring of disease activity and structural changes, predicting treatment effects, and assessing complications such as osteoporosis and spinal fracture. The consensus was established on the basis of research evidence, clinical experiences and expert opinions. For each recommendation statement, the level of evidence was evaluated, the strength of recommendation was graded and the final level of agreement was determined through voting.

Results

In total, four overarching principles and 13 recommendations were formulated. These recommendations outlined different imaging approaches in the diagnosis and management of axSpA disease progression. Considering CT is easy to perform when MRI is less available in Taiwan, the expert panel proposed a concise and practical diagnostic scheme to strengthen the valuable role of MRI and CT in the diagnostic evaluation of axSpA without evident radiographic features.

Conclusion

These modified recommendations provide guidance for rheumatologists, radiologists and healthcare professionals on timely diagnosis of axSpA and disease management with appropriate imaging modalities.
Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties Assessment of the NOC Outcome “Cognition” in a Sample of Portuguese Adults With Mental Illness
Authors: Coelho Joana Catarina Ferreira , Ribeiro Ana Rita Martins , Sampaio Francisco Miguel Correia , Sequeira Carlos Alberto da Cruz , Lleixà Fortuño Maria del Mar , Roldán Merino Juan
Published: December 2019

PURPOSE

Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties assessment of the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) outcome “Cognition” in a sample of Portuguese adults with mental illness.

METHODS

Methodological study.

FINDINGS

The final European Portuguese version of the NOC outcome “Cognition”, consisting of 13 items, showed good psychometric properties. An exploratory factor analysis was performed from which only one factor was established.

CONCLUSIONS

The European Portuguese version of the NOC outcome “Cognition” seems to gather very satisfactory psychometric properties for assessing cognition in the Portuguese population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This study contributed to advance the nursing body of knowledge and to better assess cognition in a clinical context.
Inflammation, angiogenesis and coagulation interplay in a variety of retinal diseases
Authors: Dan‐Brezis Idit , Zahavi Alon , Axer‐Siegel Ruth , Nisgav Yael , Dahbash Mor , Weinberger Dov , Ehrlich Rita , Livnat Tami
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To evaluate and correlate levels of various proteins involved in coagulation, inflammation and angiogenesis processes in the vitreous of patients with different vitreoretinal pathologies.

Methods

Vitreous samples were collected from patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Macular hole and epiretinal membrane served as controls. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, thrombin–antithrombin III complex, interleukin‐8, tissue factor, thrombomodulin, P‐selectin, D‐dimer and tissue factor pathway inhibitor were compared among the vitreoretinal pathology groups.

Results

Compared to controls, patients with PDR had significantly higher levels of thrombin–antithrombin III complex (p < 0.001), vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.001), D‐dimer (p = 0.038) and interleukin‐8 (p = 0.04), and patients with RRD group had significantly higher levels only of thrombin–antithrombin III complex (p < 0.001). There was a significant linear correlation between levels of P‐selectin and D‐dimer (p = 0.003), P‐selectin and interleukin‐8 (p < 0.001), and D‐dimer and IL‐8 (p = 0.007). These correlations were particularly strong in the PDR group compared to the other groups.

Conclusion

Patients with PDR manifest high coagulative and angiogenic activity in the vitreous. These pathways are highly correlated with the inflammatory cascade.
A randomised, factorial trial to reduce arterial stiffness independently of blood pressure: Proof of concept? The VaSera trial testing dietary nitrate and spironolactone
Authors: Mills Charlotte E. , Govoni Virginia , Faconti Luca , Casagrande Maria‐Linda , Morant Steven V. , Crickmore Hannah , Iqbal Fahad , Maskell Perry , Masani Alisha , Nanino Elisa , Webb Andrew J. , Cruickshank J. Kennedy
Published: December 2019

Aims

To test if spironolactone or dietary nitrate from beetroot juice could reduce arterial stiffness as aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVart), a potential treatment target, independently of blood pressure.

Methods

Daily spironolactone (≤50 mg) vs doxazosin (control ≤16 mg) and 70 mL beetroot juice (Beet‐It ≤11 mmol nitrate) vs nitrate‐depleted juice (placebo; 0 mmol nitrate) were tested in people at risk or with type‐2 diabetes using a double‐blind, 6‐month factorial trial. Vascular indices (baseline, 12, 24 weeks) were cardiac–ankle vascular index (CAVI), a nominally pressure‐independent stiffness measure (primary outcome), PWVart secondary, central systolic pressure and augmentation. Analysis was intention‐to‐treat, adjusted for systolic pressure differences between trial arms.

Results

Spironolactone did not reduce stiffness, with evidence for reduced CAVI on doxazosin rather than spironolactone (mean difference [95% confidence interval]; 0.25 [−0.3, 0.5] units, P = .080), firmer for PWVart (0.37 [0.01, 0.7] m/s, P = .045). There was no difference in systolic pressure reduction between spironolactone and doxazosin (0.7 [−4.8, 3.3] mmHg, P = .7). Circulating nitrate and nitrite increased on active vs placebo juice, with central systolic pressure lowered −2.6 [−4.5, − 0.8] mmHg, P = .007 more on the active juice, but did not reduce CAVI, PWVart or peripheral pressure. Change in nitrate and nitrite concentrations were 1.5‐fold [1.1–2.2] and 2.2‐fold [1.3, 3.6] higher on spironolactone than on doxazosin respectively; both P < .05.

Conclusion

Contrary to our hypothesis, in at‐risk/type 2 diabetes patients, spironolactone did not reduce arterial stiffness, rather PWVart was lower on doxazosin. Dietary nitrate elevated plasma nitrite, selectively lowering central systolic pressure, observed previously for nitrite.
The dynamics of online learning at the workplace: Peer‐facilitated social learning and the application in practice
Authors: Schaefer Teresa , Fabian Claudia Magdalena , Kopp Tobias
Published: December 2019

Research stresses the importance of social components in learning. The social contact with peers and tutors stimulates reflection and supports higher processes of learning necessary for the internalisation and application of new knowledge. However, merely proposing opportunities for interaction does not necessarily lead to fruitful discussion and collaboration. Social presence and facilitation are key concepts for successful mutual learning. Both are represented in Murphy’s collaboration model; social presence forms the basis of collaboration on which discussions and co‐construction of knowledge evolve. Facilitation supports the entire collaboration process. In this paper, an adjusted version of Murphy’s model was applied to analyse 1085 comments shared in an online course between career practitioners of a public employment service. The results show that without a dedicated tutor, learners can still be involved in collaborative learning and co‐construction of new knowledge provided that the topic under discussion is highly relevant and controversial. Learners themselves take over social presence and facilitation activities, but less frequently than when a professional tutor facilitates discussions. Ex post summative evaluation revealed that only a few learners applied the gained knowledge in the long‐term. As comparisons with related research suggest, higher facilitation support leading to a higher cognitive interaction with the learning could have better supported the transfer to practice.
Propensity score‐matched comparison of docetaxel and androgen receptor axis‐targeted agents in patients with castration‐resistant intraductal carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Yamamoto Akiyuki , Kato Masashi , Hattori Kyosuke , Naito Yushi , Tochigi Kosuke , Sano Tomoyasu , Kawanishi Hideji , Ishikawa Tomohiro , Yuba Takuma , Hattori Ryohei , Gotoh Momokazu , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of docetaxel and androgen receptor axis‐targeted (ARAT) agents in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) using a propensity score‐matched analysis.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively identified 309 patients with CRPC from February 2007 to February 2016 at Nagoya University and its affiliated hospitals. All patients received initial androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT). After progression to CRPC, they received docetaxel or ARAT (abiraterone or enzalutamide) as first‐line life‐prolonging therapy. Docetaxel (70–75 mg/m2) every 3 weeks vs enzalutamide (160 mg) once daily orally or abiraterone (1 g) once daily plus prednisone (5 mg) twice daily orally was administered. The primary outcome of interest was overall survival (OS) from the time of CRPC diagnosis. A propensity score analysis with a 1:1 ratio using an optimal matching algorithm was used to adjust for confounding factors.

Results

Overall, 234 patients were analysed. Propensity score‐matching identified 85 patients in each group. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the groups. The median OS in the docetaxel group was 38.2 vs 58.3 months in the ARAT group (P = 0.03). For patients with IDC‐P, OS was significantly longer in the ARAT group than the docetaxel group (P = 0.01), and there was no significant difference in each group, as in patients without IDC‐P (P = 0.67). A multivariate analysis showed that the presence of IDC‐P, duration of primary ADT, visceral metastasis, and administration of ARAT as the first‐line treatment for CRPC were independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusion

Administration of ARAT as the first‐line treatment for CRPC may prolong OS more than that of docetaxel, especially in patients with IDC‐P.
Perivascular macrophages in the neonatal macaque brain undergo massive necroptosis after simian immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Bohannon Diana G. , Wang Yueying , Reinhart Colin H. , Hattler Julian B. , Luo Jiangtao , Okhravi Hamid R. , Zhang Jianshui , Li Qingsheng , Kuroda Marcelo J. , Kim Jayoung , Kim Woong‐Ki
Published: December 2019

We previously showed that rhesus macaques neonatally infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) do not develop SIV encephalitis (SIVE) and maintain low brain viral loads despite having similar plasma viral loads compared to SIV‐infected adults. We hypothesize that differences in myeloid cell populations that are the known target of SIV and HIV in the brain contribute to the lack of neonatal susceptibility to lentivirus‐induced encephalitis. Using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy, we examined the frontal cortices from uninfected and SIV‐infected infant and adult macaques (n = 8/ea) as well as adults with SIVE (n = 4) to determine differences in myeloid cell populations. The number of CD206+ brain perivascular macrophages (PVMs) was significantly greater in uninfected infants than in uninfected adults and was markedly lower in SIV‐infected infants while microglia numbers were unchanged across groups. CD206+ PVMs, which proliferate after infection in SIV‐infected adults, did not undergo proliferation in infants. While virtually all CD206+ cells in adults are also CD163+, infants have a distinct CD206 single‐positive population in addition to the double‐positive population commonly seen in adults. Notably, we found that more than 60% of these unique CD206+CD163− PVMs in SIV‐infected infants were positive for cleaved caspase‐3, an indicator of apoptosis, and that nearly 100% of this subset were concomitantly positive for the necroptosis marker receptor‐interacting protein kinase‐3 (RIP3). These findings show that distinct subpopulations of PVMs found in infants undergo programmed cell death instead of proliferation following SIV infection, which may lead to the absence of PVM‐dependent SIVE and the limited size of the virus reservoir in the infant brain.
The view beyond downtown luxury towers: Diversity of condominium developments in a contemporary mid‐sized city
Authors: Novak Mathew
Published: December 2019

A proliferation of condominiums is fundamentally changing the built, social, and economic fabric of Canada's cities. While developments may be found throughout the urban landscape of cities large and small, most of the contemporary research focuses on luxury towers in the urban cores of Toronto and Vancouver. The following study examines the complete inventory of all condominium units in Halifax, Nova Scotia, revealing spatial and temporal patterns in their development. Nearly 60% of Halifax's condominium units are found in the suburbs, with only 20% in the downtown. Condominium units built since 2010 command the highest prices, surpassing the median single detached house price in the city, while older units from the 1970s and 1980s remain largely affordable. Recent developments can be found in gentrifying neighbourhoods; however, they remain a minority as many more units are found in middle‐class suburbs and wealthy inner‐city neighbourhoods. Owing to their varied manifestations, the predominant associations of condominiums with a downtown, luxury housing format needs expanding to include locations throughout the metropolitan area, distinct building types, and wide range of prices.
Identification and characterization of the binding sequences and target genes of p53 lacking the 1st transactivation domain
Authors: Suzuki Shiori , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Chen Yu , Ozeki Chikako , Okabe Atsushi , Kawase Tatsuya , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Ohki Rieko
Published: December 2019

The tumor suppressor gene p53 encodes a transcriptional activator that has two transactivation domains (TAD) located in its amino terminus. These two TAD can transactivate genes independently, and at least one TAD is required for p53 transactivation function. The 1st TAD (a.a. 1‐40) is essential for the induction of numerous classical p53 target genes, while the second TAD (a.a. 41‐61) suffices for tumor suppression, although its precise molecular function remains unclear. In this study, we comprehensively identified the sites to which p53 lacking the 1st TAD (Δ1stTAD‐p53) binds, as well as its potential target genes. We found that the binding sequences for Δ1stTAD‐p53 are divergent and include not only the canonical p53 consensus binding sequences but also sequences similar to those recognized by a number of other known transcription factors. We identified and analyzed the functions of three Δ1stTAD‐p53 target genes, PTP4A1, PLK2 and RPS27L. All three genes were induced by both full‐length p53 and Δ1stTAD‐p53, and were dependent on the transactivation activity of the 2nd TAD. We also found that two of these, PTP4A1 and PLK2, are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐inducible genes. We found that upon ER stress, PTP4A1 suppresses apoptosis while PLK2 induces apoptosis. These results reveal a novel Δ1stTAD‐p53 downstream pathway that is dependent on the transcription activation activity of the 2nd TAD.
Detection of methylation status of Epstein‐Barr virus DNA C promoter in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Hui , Wang Ruo‐Zheng , Li Xi‐Zhao , Zhou Ting , Zhang Jiang‐Bo , Zhang Pei‐Fen , Lu Li‐Xia , Jia Wei‐Hua
Published: December 2019

The detection of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA load in nasopharyngeal (NP) brushing samples for diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has attracted great attention. Further improvements that eliminate the need for clinical settings will greatly extend its application. A total of 250 participants were recruited to obtain NP brushing samples. Brush sampling both with and without the guide of endoscopy was conducted in 38 NPC patients. EBV DNA load, EBV RNA transcript and EBV DNA C promoter methylation status were, respectively, evaluated. Typical latency II transcripts were observed in brushing samples from NPC patients but not controls. Unlike in tissues, multiple lytic gene transcripts were observed not only in NPC patients but also in controls. Apart from EBV RNA transcript, samples from NPC patients also showed higher levels of EBV DNA load and C promoter methylation degree than their controls. Qualitative analysis further showed that EBV DNA C promoter was methylated in all NPC patients but in only 18.4% of the control group. Combined analysis of EBV DNA methylated degree and EBV DNA load increased the sensitivity to 100% in the detection of NPC. Using qualitative methylated type as the criteria, up to 89.5% of samples collected via blind brushing showed consistent results with samples collected via endoscopy‐guided brushing from NPC patients. Detection of the methylation status of EBV DNA C promoter in NP brushing samples shows great potential in diagnosing NPC and may provide an appealing alternative for the non–invasive detection and screening of NPC without the need for clinical settings.
Widening the spectrum of genetic testing in familial hypercholesterolaemia: Will it translate into better patient and population outcomes?
Authors: Page Michael M. , Bell Damon A. , Watts Gerald F.
Published: December 2019

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is caused by pathogenic variants in LDLR, APOB or PCSK9. Impaired low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor function leads to decreased LDL catabolism and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Thousands of LDLR variants are known, but assignation of pathogenicity requires accurate phenotyping, family studies and assessment of LDL receptor function. Precise, genetic diagnosis of FH using targeted next generation sequencing allows for optimal treatment, distinguishing FH from pathogenically distinct disorders requiring different treatment. Polygenic hypercholesterolaemia resulting from an accumulation of LDL cholesterol‐raising single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could also be suspected by this approach. Similarly, ASCVD risk could be estimated by broader sequencing of cholesterol and non‐cholesterol‐related genes. Both of these areas require further research. The clinical management of FH, focusing on the primary or secondary prevention of ASCVD, has been boosted by PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. The efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in homozygous FH may be partly predicted by the LDLR variants. While expanded genetic testing in FH is clinically useful in providing an accurate diagnosis and enabling cost‐effective testing of relatives, further research is needed to establish its value in improving clinical outcomes.