bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural features underlying the activity of benzimidazole derivatives that target phosphopeptide recognition by the tandem BRCT domain of the BRCA1 protein
Authors: Kurdekar Vadiraj , Giridharan Saranya , Subbarao Jasti , Nijaguna Mamatha B. , Periasamy Jayaprakash , Boggaram Sanjana , Bharatham Kavitha , Potluri Vijay , Shivange Amol V. , Sadasivam Gayathri , Padigaru Muralidhara , Venkitaraman Ashok R.
Published: February 2019

The tandem BRCT (tBRCT) domains of BRCA1 engage pSer-containing motifs in target proteins to propagate intracellular signals initiated by DNA damage, thereby controlling cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Recently, we identified Bractoppin, a benzimidazole that represents a first selective small molecule inhibitor of phosphopeptide recognition by the BRCA1 tBRCT domains, which selectively interrupts BRCA1-mediated cellular responses evoked by DNA damage. Here, we combine structure-guided chemical elaboration, protein mutagenesis and cellular assays to define the structural features that underlie the biochemical and cellular activities of Bractoppin. Bractoppin fails to bind mutant forms of BRCA1 tBRCT bearing single residue substitutions that alter K1702, a key residue mediating phosphopeptide recognition (K1702A), or alter hydrophobic residues (F1662R or L1701K) that adjoin the pSer-recognition site. However, mutation of BRCA1 tBRCT residue M1775R, which engages the Phe residue in the consensus phosphopeptide motif pSer-X-X-Phe, does not affect Bractoppin binding. Collectively, these findings confirm a binding mode for Bractoppin that blocks the phosphopeptide-binding site via structural features distinct from the substrate phosphopeptide. We explored these structural features through structure-guided chemical elaboration of Bractoppin, synthesizing analogs bearing modifications on the left and right hand side (LHS/RHS) of Bractoppin’s benzimidazole ring. Characterization of these analogs in biochemical assay reveal structural features underlying potency. Analogs where the LHS phenyl is replaced by cyanomethyl (2091) and 4-methoxyphenoxypropyl (2113) conceptualized from structure-guided strategies like GIST and dimer interface analysis expose the role of phenyl and isopropyl as critical hydrophobic anchors. Two Bractoppin analogs, 2088 and 2103 were effective in abrogating BRCA1 foci formation and inhibiting G2 arrest induced by irradiation of cells. Collectively, our findings reveal structural features underlying the biochemical and cellular activity of a novel benzimidazole inhibitor of phosphopeptide recognition by the BRCA1 tBRCT domain, providing fresh insights to guide the development of inhibitors that target the protein-protein interactions of this previously undrugged family of protein domains.
Newly Discovered migratory corridor and foraging ground for Atlantic green turtles, Chelonia mydas, nesting on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Mettler Emily , Clyde-Brockway Chelsea E. , Honarvar Shaya , Paladino Frank V.
Published: February 2019

This study is the first to use satellite telemetry to track post-nesting movements of endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Gulf of Guinea. Satellite transmitters were attached in 2018 to six Atlantic green turtles nesting on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, to track their post-nesting movements and locate their foraging grounds. Track lengths of 20-198 days were analyzed, for a total of 536 movement days for the six turtles. Migratory pathways and foraging grounds were identified by applying a switching state space model to locational data, which provides daily position estimates to identify shifts between migrating and foraging behavior. Turtles exhibited a combination of coastal and oceanic migrations pathways that ranged from 957 km to 1,131 km. Of the six turtles, five completed their migration and maintained residency at the same foraging ground near the coastal waters of Accra, Ghana until transmission was lost. These five resident turtles inhabit heavily fished and polluted waters and are vulnerable to a variety of anthropogenic threats. The identification of these foraging grounds highlights the importance of these coastal waters for the protection of the endangered Atlantic green turtle.
Local atomic structure of thin and ultrathin films via rapid high-energy X-ray total scattering at grazing incidence
Authors: Dippel Ann-Christin , Roelsgaard Martin , Boettger Ulrich , Schneller Theodor , Gutowski Olof , Ruett Uta
Published: February 2019

Atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis is the most powerful technique to study the structure of condensed matter on the length scale from short- to long-range order. Today, the PDF approach is an integral part of research on amorphous, nanocrystalline and disordered materials from bulk to nanoparticle size. Thin films, however, demand specific experimental strategies for enhanced surface sensitivity and sophisticated data treatment to obtain high-quality PDF data. The approach described here is based on the surface high-energy X-ray diffraction technique applying photon energies above 60 keV at grazing incidence. In this way, reliable PDFs were extracted from films of thicknesses down to a few nanometres. Compared with recently published reports on thin-film PDF analysis from both transmission and grazing-incidence geometries, this work brought the minimum detectable film thickness down by about a factor of ten. Depending on the scattering power of the sample, the data acquisition on such ultrathin films can be completed within fractions of a second. Hence, the rapid-acquisition grazing-incidence PDF method is a major advancement in thin-film technology that opens unprecedented possibilities for in situ and operando PDF studies in complex sample environments. By uncovering how the structure of a layered material on a substrate evolves and transforms in terms of local and average ordering, this technique offers new opportunities for understanding processes such as nucleation, growth, morphology evolution, crystallization and the related kinetics on the atomic level and in real time.
An assessment of three human methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase–ligand complexes following further refinement
Authors: Bueno Renata , Dawson Alice , Hunter William N.
Published: February 2019

The enzymes involved in folate metabolism are key drug targets for cell-growth modulation, and accurate crystallographic structures provide templates to be exploited for structure-based ligand design. In this context, three ternary complex structures of human methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase have been published [Schmidt et al. (2000), Biochemistry, 39, 6325–6335] and potentially represent starting points for the development of new antifolate inhibitors. However, an inspection of the models and the deposited data revealed deficiencies and raised questions about the validity of the structures. A number of inconsistencies relating to the publication were also identified. Additional refinement was carried out with the deposited data, seeking to improve the models and to then validate the complex structures or correct the record. In one case, the inclusion of the inhibitor in the structure was supported and alterations to the model allowed details of enzyme–ligand interactions to be described that had not previously been discussed. For one weak inhibitor, the data suggested that the ligand may adopt two poses in the binding site, both with few interactions with the enzyme. In the third case, that of a potent inhibitor, inconsistencies were noted in the assignment of the chemical structure and there was no evidence to support the inclusion of the ligand in the active site.
Crystal structure of the type VI immunity protein Tdi1 (Atu4351) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Shi Lingling , Gao Zengqiang , Zhang Tianyi , Zhang Heng , Dong Yuhui
Published: February 2019

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a novel multiprotein needle-like apparatus that is distributed widely in Gram-negative bacteria. Bacteria harboring T6SSs inject various effectors into both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells for interspecies competition or virulence-related processes. The toxicities of the effectors can be neutralized by their cognate immunity proteins. Tde1 (Atu4350)–Tdi1 (Atu4351) has recently been characterized as a T6SS effector–immunity pair in the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the neutralization mechanism remains unknown. Here, the crystal structure of the immunity protein Tdi1 was determined at 2.40 Å resolution by the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion method. Structural analysis suggested that it is composed of a GAD-like domain and an inserted DUF1851 domain, and both domains show low structural similarities to known structures. There is a positive groove mainly located in the GAD-like domain that may be associated with nucleotide binding. The structure provides a basis for further study of the positive groove as a potential active site.
Impact of e-servicescapes on student engagement: mediating impact of experience quality
Authors: Dassanayake Hansani Chathurika , Senevirathne Asanka
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of design of e-servicescapes on student engagement in distance education (DE), and examine whether this impact is mediated by student experience quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach based on cross-sectional survey design was adapted where data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sample consisted of 252 undergraduates registered in the DE platform in Sri Lanka and was drawn using a simple random sampling technique. Collected data were analysed using the structural equation modelling.

Findings

Data analysis revealed that there is a direct significant impact of e-servicescapes on student engagement while this impact is partially mediated by student experience quality in the Sri Lankan context. Meantime, the social presence feature of e-servicescapes has the highest impact on student engagement.

Practical implications

Findings of the study provide an empirically validated model to boost up the student engagement and significantly contribute to the designing of the e-servicescapes of the DE institutes in order to offer a superior service to a wide array of stakeholders.

Originality/value

Even though e-servicescapes have been recognised as a driver of customer behaviour, the concept is fairly unexplored in the educational context. Due to its practical applicability in the DE context, this study contributes to the existing knowledge by presenting a novel conceptual model developed based on multiple theories to identify its impact on student behaviour.
Conversation skills training for people with autism through virtual reality: using responsible research and innovation approach
Authors: Politis Yurgos , Sung Connie , Goodman Lizbeth , Leahy Michael
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Users’ role in co-designing products has changed: from influencing outcomes to influencing development/design; from standardizing to customising products/outcomes; from participating to engaging designers/developers. Although this participatory design (PD) approach makes users’ role more prominent it has been under-utilised for the technological development of products for people with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD). The purpose of this paper is to present a responsible research and innovation example, in conversation skills training for people with autism, using virtual reality (VR).

Design/methodology/approach

The PD approach was adopted during the iterative development of the virtual world and training materials. Multiple baseline design was utilised consisting of three participants on the mild/moderate end of the autism spectrum. Participants joined 15–16 sessions over four phases of structured conversations, delivered both face-to-face and virtually.

Findings

The feedback sessions revealed that the participants felt VR has the potential in providing training for people with autism spectrum disorders. Moreover, they thought delivering the training in three formats could enhance their learning, since PowerPoints, videos and chatbot would represent teaching, showing and practicing, respectively.

Social implications

PD promotes a “one-size-fits-one approach”, cultivating agile, inclusive, responsive design approaches for people with NDDs, so that outcome meets their needs and preferences, while VR training allows for a wider implementation, benefiting a wider range of learners.

Originality/value

The RRI approach increases the inclusion of people with disabilities in the decision-making process through dialogue with “experts”, making their role more visible, fostering an ethical and sustainable innovation process, leading to more desirable outcomes.
Active bidders versus smart bidders
Authors: Kim Kacy K. , Gravier Michael J. , Yoon Sukki , Oh Sangdo
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contrast two lay theories of how consumers draw affective inferences about their online bidding experiences. The active-bidder theory (smart-bidder theory) predicts that after winning a bid, highly (minimally) participative bidders would be more satisfied than minimally (highly) participative bidders.

Design/methodology/approach

Four experiments test two competing hypotheses, the active-bidder hypothesis and the smart-bidder hypothesis (Study 1), identify a condition that mitigates the observed effects (Study 2), identify when the mitigation is effective or ineffective (Study 3) and replicate the findings in a scenario-based study where participants are allowed to make actual bidding decisions (Studies 4A and 4B).

Findings

The findings support the smart-bidder hypothesis across three different product categories; however, this heuristic-driven effect is absent when bidders have concrete shopping goals. The effect was sufficiently robust to be observed even when the bids are made at will.

Research limitations/implications

The present research does not incorporate the widely adopted procedure of second-price auction (also known as proxy bidding in the eBay setting), a system that allows the highest bidder to win the auction but pay the amount of the second-highest bid.

Practical implications

Online consumers should be mindful that entering the minimum number of bids not only helps consumers avoid overbidding but also elevates their joy in winning after the auction ends.

Originality/value

Prior research on bidding behavior on online auction sites has yet to examine how different bidding dynamics affect consumers’ post-auction satisfaction. This research sheds light on the psychological process underlying the robust phenomenon: online auction consumers rely heavily on proxy signals. Bidders appear to use the efficiency heuristic in constructing their affective judgments of their buying experiences.
University students and retirement planning: never too early
Authors: Bongini Paola , Cucinelli Doriana
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the main predictors of university students’ intention to invest in a pension fund: an understanding of how young people perceive retirement planning is relevant for its policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) proposed by Ajzen (1985) which explains how human behaviour is guided, and provides a framework to explore the underlying beliefs that affect one’s behaviours.

Findings

The evidence on a sample of Italian university students highlights that the TPB predictors, pension knowledge, money management and the highest level of financial literacy, positively influence their intention to invest in a pension fund.

Research limitations/implications

Although the authors are aware of the limitations of the analysis (limited to a specific country and to a specific financial product), the authors believe that the study has the merit of offering a number of ideas for further research. In fact, there are few contributions in the literature that identify the intention of young people to save for retirement. The study sheds light on this important issue. However, because it is limited to Italian university students, its findings cannot be generalised.

Practical implications

The study can be used by regulators, financial educators, counsellors and public institutions to increase the propensity of young people to plan for their future and guide them towards attitudes and behaviours most likely to increase their savings for retirement.

Social implications

The evidence suggests that regulators, institutions and educators should improve the information that is provided to families first and to the younger generations – at school, for instance – about the functioning of the pension system. The survey’s findings emphasise that university students are generally unaware of the many reforms to the system while believing that their state pensions will be sufficient to maintain a retirement standard of living that is the same as the standard of living achieved during their working lives.

Originality/value

In the authors’ knowledge, there are not studies that focus on the youngs’ intention to invest in a pension fund. The authors believe that millennials are the most hitted by the Fornero’s reform and understand which predictors affect this intention can allow to drive the decision in investing in these important financial tools.
What drives experiential loyalty towards the banks? The case of Islamic banks in Indonesia
Authors: Wu Hung-Che , Cheng Ching-Chan , Hussein Ananda Sabil
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the structural relationship between experiential loyalty and its seven drivers – interaction quality, physical environment quality, outcome quality, affective quality, experiential quality, experiential trust and experiential satisfaction in the context of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study were based on a convenience sample of 474 respondents from Jakarta, Bogor and Depok in Indonesia.

Findings

Interaction quality, physical environment quality and outcome quality positively influence experiential quality, which in turn, leads to experiential trust. Also, experiential trust has a positive influence on experiential satisfaction. Both experiential trust and experiential satisfaction are determinants of experiential loyalty.

Practical implications

The results will assist Islamic bank management in developing and implementing market-orientated service strategies to increase interaction quality, physical environment quality, outcome quality, affective quality experiential quality, experiential trust and experiential satisfaction in order to increase experiential loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper provides data that result in a better understanding of the relationships among interaction quality, physical environment quality, outcome quality, affective quality, experiential quality, experiential trust, experiential satisfaction and experiential loyalty in the context of Islamic banks.
An investigation of financial literacy, money ethics and time preferences among college students
Authors: Aydin Asli Elif , Akben Selcuk Elif
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Financial literacy has a strong influence on financial well-being, and it is a concept especially important for college students who start to develop their financial habits. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial literacy, money attitudes and time preferences among Turkish university students.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 1,443 university students from 14 campuses in Turkey. Structural equation modeling methodology is employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that students with higher financial knowledge scores have more favorable financial attitudes and exhibit more desirable financial behaviors. It is also demonstrated that financial attitude is positively related to financial behavior. Furthermore, a significant and negative relationship between the affective dimension of the money ethic construct and financial behavior is found. In contrast, the relationship between the behavioral dimension of money ethic and financial behavior is positive. It is further demonstrated that a present orientation leads to more negative financial attitudes.

Originality/value

This study will reveal the interrelationships among dimensions of financial literacy, money ethics and time preferences in an emerging economy with a relatively little experience with formal financial systems and unstable macroeconomic conditions.
Customer satisfaction index and financial performance: a European cross country study
Authors: Golovkova Anastasia , Eklof Jan , Malova Aleksandra , Podkorytova Olga
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between customer satisfaction measured as Extended Performance Satisfaction Index (EPSI) and the financial performance of the banking sector for seven European countries over the period 2004–2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel models, this study finds a significant positive influence of EPSI on banking financial performance at the country level.

Findings

Findings suggest that the value of the customer satisfaction index is important in explaining the financial performance of the banking industry at the aggregative country level. The customer satisfaction index measured as EPSI has a strong positive influence on the financial performance of the banking industry for the various North European countries studied. It was shown that EPSI has a positive influence on both total assets and total equity, with a higher relative influence and stronger significance on the total assets of the banking sector than on total equity.

Originality/value

The study contributes to understanding the importance of measuring and maintaining customer satisfaction as a profitability driver in the banking industry, providing new cross-country evidence. It also contributes to the literature focussing on a group of countries that have not previously been studied.
Software piracy and bundling in the cloud-based software era
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Yue Wei T. , Hui Wendy
Published: February 2019

Purpose

In the cloud computing era, three merging developments in software industry are: cloud and on-premises software may offer complementary value to each other; cloud software service requires the support of significant information technology infrastructure; and software piracy problems can be better managed in the cloud. However, how these developments together impact a vendor’s bundling strategy has not yet been investigated. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the product bundling framework, this research establishes stylized models to study a software vendor’s bundling decision in the cloud-based era with special consideration on the issue of software piracy.

Findings

The authors find different key parameters associated with the cloud era exert different effects on the bundling decision. When on-premises software and cloud software generate additional value by complementing each other, software vendors can make greater profits under the pure components (PC) strategy. Regarding a low infrastructure cost, software vendors should favor pure bundling (PB). The impact of piracy deterrence effectiveness is less straightforward – it favors PC when piracy deterrence effectiveness is low, but PB when piracy deterrence effectiveness is high.

Originality/value

This study makes key contributions to theory and practice. First, this is the first study to examine software bundling strategies in the cloud computing era, whereby the three factors relevant to the cloud phenomenon have been considered. Second, this paper contributes to the literature of bundling and software piracy by examining the intersection of these two streams of literature. Third, this paper sheds light on a vendor’s bundling decision when facing piracy problems in the emerging cloud software era.
The influence of brand color identity on brand association and loyalty
Authors: Jin ChangHyun , Yoon MoonSun , Lee JungYong
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to understand the specific attributes of a brand’s color identity in an investigation of the relationship between color identity, brand association and other factors, including brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group interviews and open-ended questions were used initially to create items for the survey. After excluding insincere responses, 781 responses to the questionnaire were used for the analysis. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that sub-factors that comprise the color identity construct are closely related to the components of brand association. All components of brand association, including brand attribution, brand benefits and brand attitude, were shown to have a positive impact on brand self-identification. In turn, brand self-identification was shown to have a positive impact on brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the study’s findings is limited insofar as only three components of the visual identity of the airline company under study – its logo, airplane exteriors and cabin attendants’ uniforms – were used for the color image analysis.

Practical implications

In marketing, color choices play a critical role in building brand identity as they positively affect a company’s brand association in consumers’ minds. Previous studies on airline brands have focused mainly on systematic factors related to service, prices and scheduling.

Originality/value

Regarding brand identity, color is an important factor in visual communication. Among the psychological functions of color, it has a communication function that can most directly and effectively deliver message and meaning of a company to consumers.
Students’ satisfaction in higher education: the role of practices, needs and beliefs of teachers
Authors: Bassi Francesca
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is the analysis of the evolution of students’ satisfaction over time in a large Italian university and the effects on it because of some characteristics of the teachers: didactic practices, beliefs and needs with regard to teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step of the analysis identifies a latent construct, measured with items composing the questionnaire, and proposes a reduced set of indicators to measure satisfaction and to model its evolution over time (information collected in three consecutive academic years is available). A second step clusters teachers in homogenous groups with reference to their opinions, beliefs and needs, collected with a new survey conducted at the University of Padova, with the aim of developing strategies to support academic teachers. Then, a mixture conditional latent growth model is estimated with covariates affecting the latent parameters and class membership.

Findings

Model estimation identifies a large group of university courses with a high level of satisfaction, which stays constant over time, and a small group of problematic courses with low satisfaction, moreover, that decreases over the three considered academic years. Interesting significant effects of covariates related to both the teacher and the didactic activity are estimated.

Originality/value

Statistical analyses show that the implementation of innovative didactic practices and commitment to quality of teaching are important factors to be encouraged by the university management. On the contrary, the traditionalist way of teaching and a low passion for teaching do not improve students’ satisfaction.
Interleukin‐17 receptor A blockade with brodalumab in palmoplantar pustular psoriasis: Report on four cases
Authors: Pinter Andreas , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar , Peitsch Wiebke K. , Mössner Rotraut
Published: February 2019

Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, also termed palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), is a rare disease affecting the palmoplantar regions characterized by sterile, yellow to brown pustules mostly on erythematous skin. PPP is related to a high burden due to painful, impaired and stigmatizing character. Several isoforms of interleukin (IL) have been implicated in its pathophysiology. Here, we report on four patients with PPP treated with the novel IL‐17 receptor A blocker brodalumab, in whom this therapy was not successful or showed moderate improvement combined with adverse events.
3D diffraction imaging of fault and fracture zones via image spectral decomposition of partial images
Authors: Protasov M.I. , Gadylshin K.G. , Tcheverda V.A. , Pravduhin A.P.
Published: February 2019

The paper presents 3D diffraction imaging based on the spectral decomposition of a different combination of selective or partial images. These images are obtained by the pre‐stack asymmetric migration procedure, which is weighted data summation. Spectral decomposition is done in the Fourier domain with respect to spatial dip and azimuth angles. Numerical examples with the application of different workflows for the synthetic and real data examples demonstrate detailed reliable reconstruction of the fractured zones and reliable reconstruction of fracture orientation on synthetic and real 3D data examples.
Building informal knowledge‐sharing relationships between policy makers and academics: Insights from a PM&C engagement project
Authors: Quayle Annette , Kelly Bernadette
Published: February 2019

This article outlines an innovative project to encourage knowledge sharing and engagement between academics and a policy team within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C). The project was designed to enhance policy advice by drawing on a group of academics outside the policy ranks to act as a sounding board, to question, and provide differing perspectives within the policy process of crafting advice to government. External expertise and particularly academic research has the potential to improve evidence‐based policy but often fails to be specific or timely for those at the “pointy end” of policy decision making. An informal knowledge sharing framework has the potential to improve the exchange of information through confidential and targeted conversations between researchers and public servants as one way of overcoming these barriers.
Abdominal Stab Wounds with Tension Pneumopericardium Confirmed by Autopsy and Postmortem Computed Tomography
Authors: Ro Ayako , Chiba Shoetsu , Sagi Morihisa , Kageyama Norimasa , Hayashida Makiko , Ikawa Toru , Oide Yukino , Ichiba Kazue , Mukai Toshiji
Published: February 2019

We present the first report of pneumopericardium observed by autopsy and on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images. The subject was a woman who died of self‐inflicted stab wounds to the abdomen. The PMCT scan revealed air in the pericardial sac, a “flattened heart” sign, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Medicolegal autopsy revealed two abdominal stab wounds near the xiphoid process that had cut the apical pericardium and adjacent diaphragm and liver. Examination of the open thorax confirmed that the pericardial sac was distended with air. The wound extended to the abdominal aorta, causing retroperitoneal hemorrhage. PMCT images showed that the pneumopericardial volume was 133 mL. We believe that cardiac tamponade occurred resulting from the tension pneumopericardium; however, the effects were mitigated by hypovolemia secondary to the retroperitoneal hemorrhage as well as obstructive shock. Therefore, the cause of death appears to have been low‐pressure cardiac tamponade.
Implications of the changing phylogenetic relationships of Acacia s.l. on the biological control of Vachellia nilotica ssp. indica in Australia
Authors: Taylor Dianne B.J. , Dhileepan Kunjithapatham
Published: February 2019

Plant relationships have implications for many fields including weed biological control. The use of DNA sequencing and new tree building algorithms since the late 1980s and early 1990s have revolutionised plant classification and has resulted in many changes to previously accepted taxonomic relationships. It is critical that biological control researchers stay abreast of changes to plant phylogenies. One of the largest plant genera, Acacia, has undergone great change over the past 20 years and these changes have ramifications for weed biological control projects in a number of countries. Vachellia nilotica (prickly acacia) is a major weed in Australia, originating from the Indian subcontinent and Asia, and it has been a target for biological control since 1980. Once a member of Acacia, a large (>1,000 spp.) and iconic group in Australia, prickly acacia is now part of the genus Vachellia. Current knowledge suggests that Vachellia is more closely related to mimosoid genera than it is to Acacia s.s. There has also been a recent reclassification of legume subfamilies with subfamily Mimosoideae now part of subfamily Caesalpinioideae, and four new subfamilies. In this paper we review the changes that have occurred to this group since the prickly acacia biological control project began and discuss the implications for the project. A new host test list for quarantine testing is proposed. Developed following the modernisation of the centrifugal‐phylogenetic method, it is shorter than past lists, containing 46 species, although still lengthy because of the expectations of regulatory bodies, which are slower to accept advances in scientific knowledge. The list includes five Vachellia species, six “Mimoseae” species and 26 Acacia species. The number species from legume subfamilies other than the new Caesalpinioideae is greatly reduced.
Anti‐chlamydia IgG and IgA are insufficient to prevent endometrial chlamydia infection in women, and increased anti‐chlamydia IgG is associated with enhanced risk for incident infection
Authors: Darville Toni , Albritton Hannah L. , Zhong Wujuan , Dong Li , O'Connell Catherine M. , Poston Taylor B. , Quayle Alison J. , Goonetilleke Nilu , Wiesenfeld Harold C. , Hillier Sharon L. , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: February 2019

Problem

Chlamydia infections in women can ascend to the upper genital tract, and repeated infections are common, placing women at risk for sequelae. The protective role of anti‐chlamydia antibodies to surface exposed antigens in ascending and incident infection is unclear.

Method of study

A whole‐bacterial ELISA was used to quantify chlamydia‐specific IgG and IgA in serum and cervical secretions of 151 high‐risk women followed longitudinally. Correlations were determined between antibody and cervical burden, and causal mediation analysis investigated the effect of antibody on ascension. We examined the relationship of antibody to incident infection using the marginal Cox model.

Results

Serum and cervical anti‐chlamydia IgG and cervical IgA levels correlated inversely with cervical burden. While lower burden was associated with reduced ascension, causal mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effects of antibody mediated through reductions in bacterial burden were insufficient to prevent ascension. Analysis of women uninfected at enrollment revealed that serum and cervical anti‐chlamydia IgG were associated with increased risk of incident infection; hazard ratio increased 3.6‐fold (95% CI, 1.3‐10.3), and 22.6‐fold (95% CI, 3.1‐165.2) with each unit of serum and cervical IgG, respectively.

Conclusion

Although anti‐chlamydia IgG and IgA correlated with reduced cervical chlamydia burden, they failed to prevent ascension and increased levels of anti‐chlamydia IgG were associated with increased risk for incident infection.
Increase of germ cell nuclear factor expression in globozoospermic Gopc−/− knockout mice
Authors: Bizkarguenaga M. , Gomez‐Santos L. , Madrid J. F. , Sáez F. J. , Alonso E.
Published: February 2019

Background

Golgi‐associated PDZ and coiled‐coil motif‐containing protein (GOPC) is a Golgi protein that plays a role in vesicular transport and intracellular protein trafficking and degradation. Mice deficient in GOPC protein have globozoospermia and are infertile. The germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily which is expressed in male germ cells, from spermatocytes and spermatids, both in the nucleus and the acrosomal region. It is not known if its expression could be altered in Gopc−/− mice with defective acrosomes.

Objectives

The aim of the present work was to analyze the distribution of GCNF protein in spermatids of Gopc−/− knockout mice.

Materials and methods

We have analyzed the expression and distribution during spermatogenesis of GCNF and its deregulation in Gopc−/− mutant mice by RT‐qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunogold.

Results

Germ cell nuclear factor was localized in the nucleus of all the cell types in the seminiferous tubules. Despite being a nuclear protein, it was also located in the acrosome and in the manchette of elongating spermatids. We have found that in the absence of GOPC, the expression of GCNF was increased in the nucleus of spermatocytes, mainly in leptotene, and in the nucleus and the manchette during the spermatid elongation.

Discussion and Conclusion

Gopc−/− mice have defective acrosome and manchette. The manchette is involved in the transport of proteins through the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Considering that the GCNF protein is normally transported to the acrosome and the nucleus, it can be thought that transport deficiencies in Gopc−/− mice are responsible for the increased expression of this protein.
Genitourinary cancer patients have worse baseline semen parameters than healthy sperm bankers
Authors: Xu R. , Centola G. M. , Tanrikut C.
Published: February 2019

Background

While the spermatotoxic properties of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are widely recognized, the effect of malignancy itself on male fertility is not clearly understood.

Objectives

To determine whether malignancy is associated with diminished semen quality prior to spermatotoxic treatment among sperm bankers.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective database review of de‐identified records was obtained for all episodes of sperm banking performed at a cryobank from January 2004 to May 2017 for one of the following reasons: ‘future use’ (e.g., military deployment and gender reassignment); infertility; benign disease; and malignancy, further categorized as testicular, other genitourinary (GU), solid non‐GU, hematologic, or unspecified. Dependent variables of interest were ejaculatory volume, sperm concentration, % motility, and total motile sperm count (TMSC), as well as post‐thaw TMSC.

Results

A total of 1558 patients met the inclusion criteria. Multivariable regression analysis on log‐transformed data controlling for age demonstrated decreased ejaculatory volume and sperm concentration, % motility, and TMSC in the infertility group as compared to the ‘future use’ group (p < 0.001). Testicular cancer was associated with decreased sperm concentration, TMSC, and post‐thaw TMSC (p < 0.001); other GU malignancy was associated with decreased ejaculatory volume (p < 0.001). Benign disease, solid non‐GU malignancy, hematologic malignancy, and unspecified malignancy were not associated with decreased parameters.

Discussion

In addition to sperm bankers with known fertility issues, sperm bankers with testicular and other GU malignancy had worse baseline semen parameters as compared to individuals pursuing banking for future use. These findings can inform patient counseling and consent prior to sperm banking and disease treatment.

Conclusion

Individuals with testicular and other GU malignancy who banked spermatozoa before undergoing spermatotoxic therapy demonstrated worse baseline semen parameters as compared to individuals banking spermatozoa for non‐medical reasons.
Clinical and biological features of paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with primary induction failure in the Japanese Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML‐05 study
Authors: Miyamura Takako , Moritake Hiroshi , Nakayama Hideki , Tanaka Shiro , Tomizawa Daisuke , Shiba Norio , Saito Akiko M. , Tawa Akio , Shimada Akira , Iwamoto Shotaro , Hayashi Yasuhide , Koike Takashi , Horibe Keizo , Manabe Atsushi , Mizutani Shuki , Taga Takashi , Adachi Souichi
Published: February 2019

The prognosis of paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with primary induction failure (PIF) is extremely poor, and effective treatment strategies have not been established. We investigated the clinical and biological features of paediatric AML patients with PIF registered to the Japanese Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML‐05 study. The 3‐year overall survival rate of the 41 PIF patients was 19.0%. High leucocyte count, M7 morphology, and unfavourable genetic aberrations, such as FLT3‐internal tandem duplication, NUP98‐NSD1 and high MECOM or PRDM16 expression, were risk factors for PIF. More effective treatment strategies based on leukaemia biology need to be urgently explored.
Innovations in Practice: CUES‐Ed: an in‐service evaluation of a new universal cognitive behavioural early mental health intervention programme for primary school children
Authors: Redfern Anna , Jolley Suzanne , Bracegirdle Karen , Browning Sophie , Plant Debbie
Published: February 2019

Background

Earlier childhood interventions to reduce mental health vulnerability are a global health priority yet poorly implemented. Barriers include negotiating health/education interfaces, and mixed outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children. CUES‐Ed aimed to address these barriers, comprising a cognitive behavioural early intervention targeting mental health vulnerability in 7–10 year‐olds, with integrated evaluation, delivered through close liaison with stakeholders. Following 2 years of ad hoc delivery, relationship‐building, and refining the intervention and evaluation, we report on implementation and in‐service outcomes for local schools completing the standardised CUES‐Ed programme.

Method

We evaluated delivery from 01/2017 to 07/2017 across n = 12 schools (n = 23 classes, n = 638 pupils, n = 35 teachers). Eight one‐hour weekly sessions (S1‐S8) were delivered by mental health professionals with teachers present. Pupil‐reported wellbeing/distress and emotional/behavioural difficulties were assessed at S1 and S8; pupil free text feedback/ratings and teacher ratings at S8. Two classes (n = 60) completed outcomes whilst awaiting CUES‐Ed, forming a naturalistic waitlist.

Results

At S8, pupil‐reported outcome data were obtained from 535 and feedback/ratings from 577 pupils, respectively. Thematic analysis of feedback indicated positive subjective impact. Vulnerable children (defined as self‐rated borderline/clinical cut‐off baselines scores on the wellbeing/distress and emotional/behavioural difficulties measures) improved with medium pre‐post effect sizes (d = 0.46–0.65), and small, but consistent, effects compared to waitlist.

Conclusion

In‐service evaluation suggests a feasible model of delivery, good acceptability and potential to improve outcomes for vulnerable children. Controlled evaluation is now indicated.
Defining the role of surgical drainage in paediatric deep neck space infections
Authors: Wilkie Mark D. , De Sujata , Krishnan Madhankumar
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Surgical drainage is the traditional mainstay of treatment of paediatric deep neck space infection (DNSI), but recently non‐operative management in selected cases has been advocated. We sought to identify any characteristics predictive of requirement for surgical intervention.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using receiver operating characteristics analyses.

Setting

Tertiary referral paediatric hospital.

Participants

Children (≤16 years) with a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of retro‐ or parapharyngeal abscess over a ten‐year period.

Main outcome measures

Predictive value of clinical and radiological variables in determining the requirement for surgical intervention. Length of hospital stay (LoS) was also examined.

Results

Ninety‐three children were studied, 15 (16.1%) of whom underwent immediate surgery, 42 (45.2%) of whom underwent delayed surgery following an initial period of conservative management, and 36 (38.7%) of whom were managed conservatively. Age, WCC and CRP were not predictive of the need for surgical drainage. Radiological abscess diameter, however, was predictive of requirement surgery (AUC = 0.85 [95% CI ± 0.09] P = 0.02), with a cut‐off value of 2.5 cm determined assuming equal weight to sensitivity and specificity. All DNSIs were successfully treated with no adverse outcomes, and there was no significant difference in LoS between groups. In those managed surgically, outcome and LoS did not depend on yield of pus.

Conclusions

Selected paediatric DNSIs can be successfully managed conservatively, with abscess diameter >2.5 cm a significant predictor of need for surgical intervention. Any benefit of surgery does not appear to depend on intra‐operative yield of pus.
Fetal iGRASP cine CMR assisting in prenatal diagnosis of complicated cardiac malformation with impact on delivery planning
Authors: Bhat Misha , Haris Kostas , Bidhult Sebastian , Liuba Petru , Aletras Anthony H. , Hedström Erik
Published: February 2019

Limited visualization of the fetal heart and vessels by fetal ultrasound due to suboptimal fetal position, patient habitus and skeletal calcification may lead to missed diagnosis, overdiagnosis and parental uncertainty. Counselling and delivery planning may in those cases also be tentative. The recent fetal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) reconstruction method utilizing tiny golden‐angle iGRASP (iterative Golden‐angle RAdial Sparse Parallel MRI) allows for cine imaging of the fetal heart for use in clinical practice. This case describes an unbalanced common atrioventricular canal where limited ultrasound image quality and visibility of the aortic arch precluded confirming or ruling out presence of a ventricular septal defect. Need of prostaglandins or neonatal intervention was thus uncertain. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging confirmed ultrasound findings and added value by ruling out a significant ventricular septal defect and diagnosing arch hypoplasia. This confirmed the need of patient relocation for delivery at a paediatric cardiothoracic surgery centre and prostaglandins could be initiated before the standard postnatal ultrasound. The applied CMR method can thus improve diagnosis of complicated fetal cardiac malformation and has direct clinical impact.
Matrical carcinoma with melanocytic hyperplasia mimicking nodular melanoma in an elderly Mexican male
Authors: Lehmer Larisa , Carly Sama K. , de Feraudy Sebastien
Published: February 2019

Matrical carcinoma with melanocytic hyperplasia (MCMH), previously referred to as malignant melanocytic matricoma, is a rare variant of the uncommon pilomatrical carcinoma, occurring most often on the head/neck and upper backs of middle‐aged men. Nodular lesions may resemble pigmented basal cell carcinoma or melanoma clinically. We present a case of MCMH in a Hispanic patient with history of melanoma. Histopathological clues to appropriate diagnosis include basaloid cells, numerous atypical mitotic figures, matrical differentiation, shadow cells, strong diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of ß‐catenin, and interspersed pigmented dendritic melanocytes.