bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and structure of ebselen bound to Cys141 of human inositol monophosphatase
Authors: Fenn Gareth D. , Waller-Evans Helen , Atack John R. , Bax Benjamin D.
Published: September 2020

Inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) is inhibited by lithium, which is the most efficacious treatment for bipolar disorder. Several therapies have been approved, or are going through clinical trials, aimed at the replacement of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder. One candidate small molecule is ebselen, a selenium-containing antioxidant, which has been demonstrated to produce lithium-like effects both in a murine model and in clinical trials. Here, the crystallization and the first structure of human IMPase covalently complexed with ebselen, a 1.47 Å resolution crystal structure (PDB entry 6zk0), are presented. In the complex with human IMPase, ebselen in a ring-opened conformation is covalently attached to Cys141, a residue located away from the active site. IMPase is a dimeric enzyme and in the crystal structure two adjacent dimers share four ebselen molecules, creating a tetramer with approximate 222 symmetry. In the crystal structure presented in this publication, the active site in the tetramer is still accessible, suggesting that ebselen may function as an allosteric inhibitor or may block the binding of partner proteins.
Room-temperature neutron and X-ray data collection of 3CL Mprofrom SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kneller Daniel W. , Phillips Gwyndalyn , Kovalevsky Andrey , Coates Leighton
Published: September 2020

The replication of SARS-CoV-2 produces two large polyproteins, pp1a and pp1ab, that are inactive until cleavage by the viral chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease enzyme (3CL Mpro) into a series of smaller functional proteins. At the heart of 3CL Mprois an unusual catalytic dyad formed by the side chains of His41 and Cys145 and a coordinated water molecule. The catalytic mechanism by which the enzyme operates is still unknown, as crucial information on the protonation states within the active site is unclear. To experimentally determine the protonation states of the catalytic site and of the other residues in the substrate-binding cavity, and to visualize the hydrogen-bonding networks throughout the enzyme, room-temperature neutron and X-ray data were collected from a large H/D-exchanged crystal of ligand-free (apo) 3CL Mpro.
Strategic management of public relations in Kuwait
Authors: Almutairi Talal M. , Sriramesh Krishnamurthy
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help enrich the body of knowledge of public relations by exploring the status of the practice in Kuwait. Using the generic principles of public relations, a well-known theoretical framework in the field, we study the three major types of organizations: government agencies, nonprofits and corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gathered data using a self-administered survey and qualitative interviews. In total, 250 questionnaires were distributed (both printed and electronic) to employees working in public relations departments in all sectors and received 66 completed responses for a response rate of 26%. In addition, the first author conducted nine elite interviews with a chief executive officer (CEO) of a non-profit organization, a CEO of public relations (PR) agency, four directors of PR department in the private sector and three directors of the PR department in governmental organizations.

Findings

The results indicate that the press-agentry and technical functions dominate PR practice in the country. However, there appears to be a slow momentum for more specialized PR practitioners, who can assist their organizations in coming up with strategies and thus help organizational effectiveness. PR in Kuwait continues to suffer reputationally including the assumption that someone with no relevant knowledge or experience can be employed and succeed.

Originality/value

To the authors knowledge, this is the to study the present some of the generic principles of PR in Kuwait. Therefore, this paper contributes to the PR in Kuwait body of knowledge and provides the generic principles of PR in a new cultural context to test its applicability.
The mental health status of faculty members and students as the contemporary and future health system providers
Authors: Zarezadeh Yadolah , Mohamadi-Bolbanabad Amjad , Safari Hossein , Azadnia Arian , Piroozi Bakhtiar
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Health is one of the most basic human rights. The mental health of contemporary and future health services providers is of great significance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mental health of the faculty members and students of Kurdistan University of medical sciences

Design/methodology/approach

This was an analytical-descriptive and cross-sectional study, which was conducted using the Census method on 249 faculty members and proportionately by using random sampling on 347 students in 2019. Data were collected using the 28-item General Health Questionnaire. Data analysis was done via SPSS 24 software by using statistical tests such as T-test and one-way ANOVA.

Findings

The mean values (standard deviation) of the total score of mental health among students and faculty members were 27.43 (14.37) and 20.17 (11.37), respectively. In total, 57.2% of students and 31% of faculty members had symptoms of mental disorder. The highest mean score among faculty members and students was observed on the subscale of “social dysfunction.” There was a significant relationship between the mental health of students and where they study and the mental health of faculty members and type of faculty member with the faculty in which they work (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

The prevalence of mental disorders’ symptoms among faculty members and students of Kurdistan University of medical sciences was high, and it must be considered by policymakers and managers of the health system to plan appropriate interventions.
Differential effects of information technology on competitive positioning
Authors: Bayer Michael , Haug Anders , Hvam Lars
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Information technology (IT), combined with complementary resources, can contribute to companies' competitive positioning. However, to assess the contribution of IT to value with respect to the contribution of complementary resources, it is crucial to understand the means by which IT creates value.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes empirical research on the inherent capabilities of IT and their moderating role to build an integrative model.

Findings

We found that IT creates value through three inherent capabilities: transactional, exchange and codification capabilities. These capabilities can be regarded as moderators of the relationship between IT and competitive advantage. This moderating role of IT in competitive positioning is illustrated by examples from previous empirical publications.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to IT business value (ITBV) literature by developing an integrative model that (1) conceptualizes an aspect of IT value creation, which, thus far, has received only limited attention (namely, inherent capabilities) and (2) illustrates the moderating role of these capabilities in competitive positioning.

Practical implications

Inherent capabilities provide the theoretical foundation for a nuanced understanding of IT contribution with respect to complementary resources. This understanding may support IT executives in deriving adequate measurements and, thus, account for the differential effects of IT.

Originality/value

Compared to the literature, the proposed model represents a more coherent and holistic perspective of ITBV. Thus, the model may constitute a foundation for future ITBV research and promote more detailed analytic perspectives of ITBV.
Value creation attempts via photographs in sustainability reporting: a legitimacy theory perspective
Authors: Ali Irshad , Lodhia Sumit , Narayan Anil K.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the use of legitimacy strategies via the usage of photographic disclosures in sustainability reporting as an attempt towards creating value.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used visual content analysis to identify disclosure trends and value creation themes from sustainability-related photographs in the annual and sustainability reports of Fonterra Co-operative Group over a ten-year period. The findings were interpreted using legitimacy theory.

Findings

The findings show a significant increase in the usage of photographs to legitimise and reinforce the organisation’s sustainability messages. The photographs are dominated by images signalling to stakeholders’ positive sustainability messages, as a systematic method for managing stakeholder expectations to maintain, gain and even repair legitimacy. A majority of photographs have supporting textual narrative, which could be construed as an attempt by the company to make their sustainability messages explicit and provide greater legitimacy of activities and performance with the ultimate aim of enhancing organisational value.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes towards an in-depth understanding of attempts at seeking legitimacy and creating organisational value through the systematic usage of photographic disclosures in sustainability reporting.

Practical implications

This study has the potential to inform stakeholders on linkages between sustainability photographs, value creation and legitimacy. It can help inform and assist report preparers, designers and users on the potential of photographs as a substantive medium to manage legitimacy in sustainability reporting.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the scant literature on the growing use of photographs as a value adding apparatus in sustainability reporting. This paper also extends the applicability of legitimacy theory to visual disclosure and suggests that legitimacy can be systematically sought to create value.
Situational antecedents to organizational identification and the role of supervisor support
Authors: Valle Matthew , Andrews Martha C. , Kacmar K. Michele
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of procedural justice, training opportunities and innovation on job satisfaction and affiliation commitment via the mediating effect of organizational identification. The authors also explored the moderating role of satisfaction with supervisor on the relationship between the antecedents and organizational identification as well as its moderating effect on the mediational chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used structural equation modeling techniques, using MPLUS 7.4, to analyze data collected from 247 full-time employees who were recruited by undergraduate students attending a private university in the Southeast region of the USA.

Findings

Results demonstrated that the indirect effects for procedural justice and training opportunities as predictors were significant, while none of the paths for innovation as a predictor were significant. Satisfaction with supervisor moderated the relationships between procedural justice and organizational identification and innovation and organizational identification.

Originality/value

This research expands the nomological network concerning antecedents and consequences of organizational identification. It also explores the role of satisfaction with one’s supervisor, as this can affect identification with the organization. This research provides support for the notion that stronger employee–organization relationships lead to positive individual and organizational outcomes.
Creative problem-solving techniques, paradigm shift and team performance
Authors: Proctor Tony
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to consider why creative problem-solving techniques may not always produce useful results and sets out to explain why this might be and what steps should be taken to avoid it happening. The paper provides an understanding of how different creative problem-solving techniques are best suited to gaining insights into problems requiring different degrees of paradigm shift. It argues that team members’ personalities and thinking styles and team composition should be taken into account when using the techniques. It examines the role the facilitator plays in planning and conducting the ideation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides simple illustrations of some of the creative problem-solving techniques. It reviews relevant literature and argues how individual differences of team members along with team composition can influence team performance in using the creative problem-solving techniques.

Findings

Personality, thinking styles and learning styles are relevant to the effective use of creative problem-solving techniques. Team composition, team motivation and mood factors should also be taken into account. The facilitator is key in ensuring the efficacy of the problem-solving process.

Originality/value

This paper will be helpful to academics who study creative problem-solving as well as informing management practitioners and trainers about the procedures and potential pitfalls to avoid.
Banking services for SMEs' internationalization: evaluating customer satisfaction
Authors: Formisano Vincenzo , Moretta Tartaglione Andrea , Fedele Maria , Cavacece Ylenia
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the quality of banking services provided in support of small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) internationalization from the customers' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Customer satisfaction of 50 Italian SMEs with the banking services provided for international activities has been evaluated by adopting the Kano model's continuous and discrete analyses.

Findings

Results show which banking services provided for business internationalization are necessary to satisfy customers' expectations, which services customers like having and dislike not having and which services are unexpected by customers creating a high increase in satisfaction when provided.

Research limitations/implications

This work shows the value of the Kano model in evaluating the non-linear relationship between customer satisfaction and quality of banking services for the international activities of companies. The main limitation of this work is the limited geographical context of the investigation.

Practical implications

This research suggests banks to transform their role in the relationship with SMEs from mere financiers to active partners committed to their growth abroad by offering a wide range of services not just financial, but also counselling and care professional, thus achieving mutual benefits.

Originality/value

Previous works on banking services and business internationalization are focussed on the transaction costs, information asymmetries and the impact of online banking. This work advances available knowledge by analysing the customer's point of view, evaluating the satisfaction of SMEs which, although more dependent on banks for their expansion abroad than large listed companies, are mostly ignored by literature.
The Effects of a Peer Teaching Approach on Urban Community College Students’ Vocabulary Development Using Vocabulary Theatre
Authors: Robb Elizabeth , Gregoire Megan Dunphy , Landau Naomi
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to replicate the first author’s previous study with more diverse participants including ethnic minority students to investigate the effects of a peer teaching approach on students’ vocabulary development using a treatment entitled Vocabulary Theatre (VT). Literacy professors at an urban community college in the Northeast conducted vocabulary research with their students in their respective classes. A mixed methods quasi - experimental study was conducted to compare the mean gains scores of two different types of vocabulary acquisition. Students in the VT condition were instructed to take ownership of their expressive vocabulary by teaching their assigned target words to peers in a small group. The group was then responsible to create a short skit (vignette) that used all of their assigned words appropriately, and to perform it for the class. This gave students multiple repeated exposures to the target words. This differed from the Teacher Directed Instruction (TDI) in which the students were asked to simply look up definitions of the entire list of target words. Students were given a pre- and posttest to examine their level of vocabulary acquisition in each condition. A gain score was computed subtracting the pretest results from the posttest results. Also, qualitative data was collected in the form of individual interviews, classroom observations, and small group discussions in the classroom. Analysis of qualitative data showed higher levels of motivation and engagement as reported in student interviews. Though limited by a small sample size, quantitative results showed an improvement in scores of post tests regardless of the instruction method.
Laminar Flame Characteristics of Sequential Two-Stage Combustion of Premixed Methane/Air Flames
Authors: Duva Berk Can , Wang Yen-Cheng , Chance Lauren Elizabeth , Toulson Elisa
Published: September 2020

Due to their high load flexibility and air-quality benefits, axial (sequential) stage combustion systems have become more popular among ground-based power gas turbine combustors. However, inert combustion residuals passing from the initial stage onto the secondary stage affects the reactivity and stability of the flame in the second stage of the combustor. The present study investigates laminar flame characteristics of the combustion within the second stage of a sequential combustor. The method of constant pressure for spherically expanding flames was employed to obtain laminar burning velocities (LBV) and burned gas Markstein lengths (Lb) of premixed methane/air mixtures diluted using flue gas at 3 bar and 423 K. Combustion residuals were imitated using a 19.01% H2O + 9.50% CO2 +71.49% N2 mixture by volume, while tested dilution ratios were 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Experimental results showed that the LBV was decreased by 18–23%, 36–42%, and 50–52% with additions of 5%, 10%, and 15% combustion products, respectively. As the dilution and equivalence ratios increased, the Lb values increased slightly, suggesting that the stability and stretch of the CH4/air flames increased at these conditions. Numerical results were obtained from CHEMKIN using the GRI-Mech 3.0, USC Mech II, San Diego, HP-Mech, NUI Galway, and AramcoMech 1.3 mechanisms. The GRI-Mech 3.0 and HP-Mech performed best, with an average of 2% and 3% difference between numerical and experimental LBVs, respectively. The thermal-diffusion, dilution, and chemical effects of inert postcombustion gases on the LBV were found using numerical results. The dilution effect was primarily responsible, accounting for 79–84% of the LBV reduction.
Nonlinear Radiation and Variable Viscosity Effects on Free Convection of a Power-Law Nanofluid Over a Truncated Cone in Porous Media With Zero Nanoparticles Flux and Internal Heat Generation
Authors: Huang Chuo-Jeng , Yih Kuo-Ann
Published: September 2020

This study used numerical analysis to investigate the effects of nonlinear radiation and variable viscosity on free convection of a power-law nanofluid over a vertical truncated cone in porous media with Rosseland diffusion approximation considering zero nanoparticles flux and internal heat generation. The internal heat generation is of an exponential decaying form and the viscosity of the fluid is assumed to follow Reynolds viscosity model. The surface boundary conditions of vertical truncated cone is maintained at the uniform wall temperature (UWT) and the zero nanoparticle flux (ZNF) to cause the results to be more realistic and useful. The nanofluid model considered the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The nonsimilar governing equations are obtained by using a suitable coordinate transformation and then solved by Keller box method (KBM). Comparisons with previously published work obtained good agreement. Graphical and tabular presentations of numerical data for the dimensionless temperature profile and the local Nusselt number were presented for main parameters: dimensionless streamwise coordinate, thermophoresis parameter, Lewis number, radiation parameter, surface temperature parameter, viscosity parameter, power-law index of the non-Newtonian fluid, and internal heat generation coefficient. The local Nusselt number increased when the following parameters were increased: radiation parameter, surface temperature parameter, viscosity parameter, power-law index of the non-Newtonian fluid, and dimensionless streamwise coordinate. In contrast, the local Nusselt number decreased when the following parameters were increased: internal heat generation coefficient, thermophoresis parameter, and Lewis number. Besides, the physical aspects of the problem are discussed in details.
Quantifying the Importance of Solar Soft Costs: A New Method to Apply Sensitivity Analysis to a Value Function
Authors: Syal Sita M. , MacDonald Erin F.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a new approach to build a decision model for government funding agencies, such as the US Department of Energy (DOE) solar office, to evaluate solar research funding strategies. High solar project costs—including technology costs, such as modules, and soft costs, such as permitting—currently hinder many installations; project cost reduction could lead to a lower project levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and, in turn, higher installation rates. Government research funding is a crucial driver to solar industry growth and potential cost reduction; however, DOE solar funding has not historically aligned with the industry priorities for LCOE reduction. Solar technology has received significantly higher research funding from the DOE compared to soft costs. Increased research funding to soft cost programs could spur needed innovation and accelerate cost reduction for the industry. To this end, we build a cost model to calculate the LCOE of a utility-scale solar development using technology and soft costs and conduct a sensitivity analysis to quantify how the inputs influence the LCOE. Using these results, we develop a multi-attribute value function and evaluate six funding strategies as possible alternatives. We find the strategy based on current DOE allocations results in the lowest calculated value and the strategy that prioritizes soft cost results in the highest calculated value, suggesting alternative ways for the DOE solar office to prioritize research funding and potentially spur future cost reduction.
A Computational Model for the Analysis of the Static Forced Performance of Self-Equalizing Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings
Authors: Koosha Rasool , San Andrés Luis
Published: September 2020

While failure analyses in the archival literature report thrust collar misalignment as a major cause of collapse in oil lubricated thrust bearings (TB), a self-equalizing tilting pad thrust bearing (TPTB) improves operation reliability by adjusting its pads to account for thrust collar tilt. This paper describes a kinematics model for the equalizing mechanism integrated into an existing thermo-elastohydrodynamic (TEHD) analysis tool to deliver load performance predictions for self-equalizing TPTBs. The analysis considers the actual leveling plates geometric model as obtained from a solids modeling commercial software and accounts for the sliding friction forces acting at the contact points of the leveling plates and the rolling friction at their pivots. Further, a Hertz contact analysis model uses the predicted forces to deliver a peak pressure and deformation over the contact area between the leveling plates. Next, this paper presents predictions for an example self-equalizing TPTB operating with a thrust collar static misalignment φ = 0.01 deg. The bearing 126 mm in outer diameter has six pads, operates at 4 krpm (26 m/s maximum surface speed) and under a specific load/pad ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 MPa. Compared to a nonequalizing TPTB, a self-equalizing TPTB operates with up to 50% larger minimum film thickness and about ½ largest elastic deformation. Friction forces acting at the contact points of the leveling plates show a significant effect on the performance of the pad leveling system as they reduce the film clearance and increase a pad peak pressure. Predictions from the Hertz contact analysis agree with those from a commercial finite element analysis tool and show a significantly large peak pressure at the contact points of the leveling plates (> 0.9 GPa) when the bearing supports a 3 MPa/pad specific load. This paper stresses the importance of conducting a comprehensive multiple-pad analysis to accurately evaluate the performance and reliable operation of self-equalizing TPTBs.
Fatigue Characterization of SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites in Combustion Environment
Authors: Panakarajupally Ragav P. , El Rassi Joseph , Manigandan K. , Morscher Gregory N.
Published: September 2020

Fatigue behavior of woven melt infiltrated (MI) SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) was investigated under a tension–tension fatigue condition in a combustion environment. A special experimental facility is designed to subject the CMCs under simultaneous mechanical and combustion conditions which is more representative of some conditions experienced by the hot section components of a jet engine. The MI SiC/SiC CMCs considered in this study consists of a SiC matrix densified with liquid Si infiltration, BN interphase, and reinforced with two different fibers, namely, Hi–Nicalon type S and Tyranno SA fibers. A high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) gun is used to create the representative combustion condition and a horizontal hydraulic MTS machine to apply the mechanical loading. Several fatigue tests were conducted at different stress levels with a stress ratio of 0.1, frequency of 1 Hz, and the specimen surface temperature at 1200 °C. Similar tests were conducted in an isothermal furnace condition at 1200 °C for comparison. Electrical resistance (ER) was used to monitor the tests. A reduction in the fatigue life was observed for the two MI systems under combustion conditions in comparison to the isothermal furnace condition at the same applied stress level. This is attributed to the presence of harsh combustion environment present in the burner rig. ER showed some promising results in monitoring the temperature and detecting damage in the specimen. Runout condition was set as 24 H (86400 cycles) in burner rig and 100 H (360000 cycles) in furnace environment. Specimens that achieved the runout condition were subsequently tested under monotonic tension testing at room temperature after cooldown to evaluate the residual properties. Residual strength results showed a significant strength reduction in both the furnace and burner rig environments. Post-test microscopy was conducted on the fracture surfaces of the failed specimens to understand the oxidation behavior and damage mechanisms.
Transport dynamics in a high-brightness magneto-optical-trap Li ion source
Authors: Gardner Jamie R. , McGehee William R. , Stiles Mark D. , McClelland Jabez J.
Published: September 2020

Laser-cooled gases offer an alternative to tip-based methods for generating high-brightness ion beams for focused ion beam applications. These sources produce ions by photoionization of ultracold neutral atoms, where the narrow velocity distribution associated with microkelvin-level temperatures results in a very low emittance, high-brightness ion beam. In a magneto-optical trap-based ion source, the brightness is ultimately limited by the transport of cold neutral atoms, which restricts the current that can be extracted from the ion-generating volume. We explore the dynamics of this transport in a 7Li magneto-optical trap ion source by performing time-dependent measurements of the depletion and refilling of the ionization volume in a pulsed source. An analytic microscopic model for the transport is developed, and this model shows excellent agreement with the measured results.
Effect of Exposure to Chlorhexidine Residues at “During Use” Concentrations on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile, Efflux, Conjugative Plasmid Transfer, and Metabolism of Escherichia coli
Authors: Wesgate R. , Fanning S. , Hu Y. , Maillard J.-Y.
Published: September 2020

There is no standardized protocol to predict the concentration levels of microbicides that are left on surfaces as a result of the use of these products, and there is no standardized method to predict the potential risk that such levels pose to emerging antibacterial resistance. The ability to distinguish between selection and adaption processes for antimicrobial resistance in bacteria and the impact of different concentrations of microbicide exposure have not been fully investigated to date. This study considers the effect of exposure to a low concentration of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) on selected phenotypes of
Escherichia coli
and relates the findings to the risk of emerging antimicrobial resistance.
Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Chikungunya Virus: Mechanisms of Action and Antiviral Drug Resistance
Authors: Kovacikova Kristina , van Hemert Martijn J.
Published: September 2020

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that has spread to more than 60 countries worldwide. CHIKV infection leads to a febrile illness known as chikungunya fever (CHIKF), which is characterized by long-lasting and debilitating joint and muscle pain. CHIKV can cause large-scale epidemics with high attack rates, which substantiates the need for development of effective therapeutics suitable for outbreak containment. In this review, we highlight the different strategies used for developing CHIKV small-molecule inhibitors, ranging from high-throughput cell-based screening to
in silico
screens and enzymatic assays with purified viral proteins.
Evidence That VirS Is a Receptor for the Signaling Peptide of the Clostridium perfringens Agr-like Quorum Sensing System
Authors: Li Jihong , McClane Bruce A.
Published: September 2020

C. perfringens
beta toxin (CPB) is essential for the virulence of type C strains, a common cause of fatal necrotizing enteritis and enterotoxemia in humans and domestic animals. Production of CPB, as well as several other
C. perfringens
toxins, is positively regulated by both the Agr-like QS system and the VirS/R two-component regulatory system. This study presents evidence that the VirS membrane sensor protein is a receptor for the AgrD-derived SP and that the second extracellular loop of VirS is important for SP binding. Understanding interactions between SP and VirS improves knowledge of
C. perfringens
pathogenicity and may provide insights for designing novel strategies to reduce
C. perfringens
toxin production during infections.
mSphere of Influence: Tweaking Organellar Purification Approaches
Authors: Huet Diego
Published: September 2020

Diego Huet studies the organelles involved in the metabolic adaptations of the apicomplexan parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the paper “Absolute quantification of matrix metabolites reveals the dynamics of mitochondrial metabolism” by Chen et al. (W. W. Chen, E. Freinkman, T. Wang, K. Birsoy, and D. M. Sabatini, Cell 166:1324–1337.e11, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.07.040
) shaped his research by providing an approach for rapidly and specifically isolating mitochondria to probe the metabolism of these organelles.
Cytokine storm and use of anakinra in a patient with COVID-19
Authors: Nemchand Priyanka , Tahir Hassan , Mediwake Rapti , Lee Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

We present a case of a 50-year-old man with COVID-19 infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome as a result of a cytokine storm and use of anakinra, an interleukin 1-receptor antagonist that is normally used in the treatment of autoinflammatory disorders in adult patients. We saw a reduction in oxygen requirement and improvements in inflammatory markers and ferritin. Although we cannot determine its clinical efficacy from one case study, it may have a positive effect on the proinflammatory state that is associated with cytokine storm in COVID-19 infection.
Contained aortic rupture in a term pregnant patient during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bogaert Kelly , Christensen Kyrstin , Cagliostro Matthew , Ferrara Lauren
Published: September 2020

Aortic dissection and rupture is a rare occurrence in pregnant and postpartum patients. This case discusses the presentation and diagnosis of a patient with an acute contained thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture at 38 weeks of gestation, after presenting with throat pain and syncope during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient underwent emergent caesarean delivery for non-reassuring fetal heart tracing, following which continued syncope workup revealed an aortic aneurysm and pericardial effusion. Diagnosis in this case was finalised with multimodality imaging, including transthoracic echocardiogram, and the patient underwent surgical aortic repair.
Genetic analysis of primary open-angle glaucoma-related risk alleles in a Korean population: the GLAU-GENDISK study
Authors: Kim Yong Woo , Lee Yun Hwan , Kim Jin-Soo , Lee Jinho , Kim Yu Jeong , Cheong Hyun Sub , Kim Seok Hwan , Park Ki Ho , Kim Dong Myung , Choi Hyuk Jin , Jeoung Jin Wook
Published: September 2020

Aim

To validate six previously known primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)-related loci in a Korean population.

Methods

Representative POAG-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from six loci (cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B)-AS1, sineoculis homeobox homolog 1/sineoculis homeobox homolog 6(SIX1/SIX6), atonal BHLH transcription factor 7 (ATOH7), cell division cycle 7-transforming growth factor beta receptor 3, CAV1, transmembrane and coiled-coil domain family 1 (TMCO1) were selected and genotyped from discovery (POAG=309, heathy=5400) and replication cohorts (POAG=310, healthy=5612 and POAG=221, healthy=6244, respectively). Data were analysed using logistic regression to calculate the OR for POAG risk associated with SNP.

Results

From the discovery cohort, rs1900004 in ATOH7 (OR=1.29, p=0.0024); rs1063192 (OR=0.69, p=0.0006), rs2157719 (OR=0.63, p=0.0007) and rs7865618 (OR=0.63, p=0.0006) in CDKN2B-AS1, and rs10483727 in SIX1/SIX6 (OR=0.68, p=7.9E–05) were nominally associated with the risk of POAG. The replication cohorts revealed nominal associations with rs2157719 (OR=0.72, p=0.0135), rs1063192 (OR=0.63, p=0.0007) and rs7865618 (OR=0.52, p=0.0004) in CDKN2B-AS1. A mega-analysis from the entire Korean population revealed significance with rs1063192 (OR=0.77, p=6.0E–05), rs2157719 (OR=0.63, p=0.0007) and rs7865618 (OR=0.58, p=1.9E–06) in CDKN2B-AS1 and with rs10483727 in SIX1/SIX6 (OR=0.79, p=9.4E–05), with the same direction of effect between the discovery association and the replication sample.

Conclusions

Variants near CDKN2B-AS1 and SIX1/SIX6 may require further investigation to obtain more genetic information on POAG development in a Korean population.
Clinical and confocal imaging findings in congenital corneal anaesthesia
Authors: Guillon-Rolf Rebecca , Hau Scott , Larkin Daniel F P
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims

Congenital corneal anaesthesia (CCA) is an uncommon cause of corneal ulceration in young patients, with a reported poor visual prognosis. We correlated clinical findings in patients with CCA with corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SBNP) morphology and dendritiform cell density (DCD) on confocal microscopy.

Methods

A prospective, case–control study was conducted at a referral clinic. History includied presenting features in patients with CCA, clinical course and examination findings. Differences in SBNP morphology and DCD on
in vivo
confocal microscopy (IVCM) were compared in cases and control subjects with healthy corneas.

Results

Eight patients with CCA were examined, of which three had a diagnosis of familial dysautonomia. Age at initial diagnosis of corneal disease ranged from infancy to 22 years, the most common presentation being corneal ulceration. All patients with CCA except one with optic neuropathy had corrected visual acuity 6/18 (logMAR 0.35) or better in at least one eye. Measured corneal sensation was minimal in all patients. Major abnormalities were found on confocal microscopy in all patients with CCA, whether or not inherited, including statistically significant reduction in SBNP nerve fibre density, fibre length and branch density. Increased DCD in superficial cornea was found in all patients with CCA.

Conclusion

Good visual acuity can be maintained in eyes with corneal anaesthesia present from birth. IVCM provides direct evidence of a morphological correlate for measured corneal anaesthesia. Increased DCD may indicate an enhanced role for innate immune cells in superficial cornea in protection of the anaesthetic ocular surface.
Visual hallucinations and sight loss in children and young adults: a retrospective case series of Charles Bonnet syndrome
Authors: Jones Lee , Moosajee Mariya
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a complication of sight loss affecting all ages; yet, few childhood cases have been reported. Our aim is to raise awareness of this under-reported association occurring in children and young adults in order to prevent psychological harm in this age group.

Methods

A retrospective case series reviewing medical notes of patients <25 years of age with sight loss and reported CBS at a single centre hospital eye service in London, United Kingdom. Search of electronic patient records identified 13 patients experiencing hallucinatory events over a 9-year period. Outcomes were patient demographics including ocular diagnosis, visual acuity at time of onset, characteristics of hallucinations, clinical management strategies and patient-reported affliction.

Results

Eight patients were diagnosed with progressive inherited retinal diseases, primarily Stargardt disease (N=5). Clinical history indicated patients had significantly reduced best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in at least one eye at onset; median (IQR) worse eye BCVA was 1.0 (0.86–1.6) logarithm of minimum angle of resolution(LogMAR). CBS significantly affected patients’ personal lives including education, diet and sleep. Clinical management was varied, mostly relating to reassurance at the point of contact.

Conclusion

We describe the clinical features of young patients with CBS, with management strategies and aspects of negative outcomes. High potential caseload and risk of psychological harm merit further research. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patient education to forewarn susceptible individuals may reduce the overall impact and improve coping with symptoms.
Recommendations for the management of ocular sarcoidosis from the International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis
Authors: Takase Hiroshi , Acharya Nisha R , Babu Kalpana , Bodaghi Bahram , Khairallah Moncef , McCluskey Peter J , Tesavibul Nattaporn , Thorne Jennifer E , Tugal-Tutkun Ilknur , Yamamoto Joyce H , Rao Narsing A , Smith Justine R , Mochizuki Manabu
Published: September 2020

Aims

To establish expert recommendations for the management of ocular sarcoidosis (OS).

Methods

A question-based survey on the management of OS was circulated to international uveitis experts (members of the International Uveitis Study Group and the International Ocular Inflammation Society) electronically. Subsequently, a consensus workshop was conducted at the 7th International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis (IWOS) in June 2019 in Sapporo, Japan as part of the Global Ocular Inflammation Workshops. Statements on the management of OS that were supported by a two-thirds majority of 10 international panel members of the workshop, after discussion and voting, were taken as consensus agreement.

Results

A total of 98 participants from 29 countries responded to the questionnaire survey. The subsequent consensus workshop established recommendations for the management of OS in five sections. The first section concerned evaluation and monitoring of inflammation. The second, third and fourth sections described ocular manifestations that were indications for treatment, and the management of anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis and posterior uveitis. In the fifth section, the use of systemic corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressive drugs were detailed.

Conclusions

Recommendations for management of OS were formulated through an IWOS consensus workshop.
Protocol for the impact of CBT for insomnia on pain symptoms and central sensitisation in fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: McCrae Christina S , Curtis Ashley F , Craggs Jason , Deroche Chelsea , Sahota Pradeep , Siva Chokkalingam , Staud Roland , Robinson Michael
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Approximately 50% of individuals with fibromyalgia (a chronic widespread pain condition) have comorbid insomnia. Treatment for these comorbid cases typically target pain, but growing research supports direct interventions for insomnia (eg, cognitive behavioural treatment for insomnia (CBT-I)) in these patients. Previous research suggests sustained hyperarousal mediated by a neural central sensitisation mechanism may underlie insomnia and chronic pain symptoms in fibromyalgia. We hypothesise CBT-I will improve insomnia symptoms, improve clinical pain and reduce central sensitisation. The trial will be the first to evaluate the short-term and long-term neural mechanisms underlying insomnia and pain improvements in fibromyalgia. Knowledge obtained from this trial might allow us to develop new or modify current treatments to better target pain mechanisms, perhaps reversing chronic pain or preventing it.

Methods and analysis

Female participants (n=130) 18 years of age and older with comorbid fibromyalgia (with pain severity of at least 50/100) and insomnia will be recruited from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, and surrounding areas. Participants will be randomised to 8 weeks (plus 4 bimonthly booster sessions) of CBT-I or a sleep hygiene control group (SH). Participants will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, 6 and 12 months follow-ups. The following assessments will be completed: 2 weeks of daily diaries measuring sleep and pain, daily actigraphy, insomnia severity index, pain-related disability, single night of polysomnography recording, arousal (heart rate variability, cognitive affective arousal), structural and functional MRI to examine pain-related neural activity and plasticity and mood (depression, anxiety).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained in July 2018 from the University of Missouri. All data are expected to be collected by 2022. Full trial results are planned to be published by 2024. Secondary analyses of baseline data will be subsequently published.

Trial registration number

NCT03744156.
Using the behaviour change technique taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) to identify the active ingredients of pharmacist interventions to improve non-hospitalised patient health outcomes
Authors: Scott Claire , de Barra Mícheál , Johnston Marie , de Bruin Marijn , Scott Neil , Matheson Catriona , Bond Christine , Watson Margaret C
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were present in intervention and control groups of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) included in a Cochrane systematic review.

Setting

The RCTs included were conducted in community, primary and/or ambulatory-care settings.

Participants

The data set was derived from 86 RCTs from an interim update of the Cochrane review of the effectiveness of pharmacist services on non-hospitalised patient outcomes.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the identification of BCTs scheduled for delivery in intervention and control groups of the RCTs. The secondary outcome measure was to identify which BCTs are not being utilised in intervention and control groups of the RCTs.

Results

The intervention and control groups included 31 and 12 BCTs, respectively. The number of identifiable BCTs/study ranged from 0 to 12 in the intervention groups (mean 3.01 (SD 2.4)) and 0 to 6 in the control groups (mean 0.38 (SD 0.84)). The most commonly identified BCTs in the intervention groups were: instruction on how to perform the behaviour (55%, n=47) (also the most common BCT in control groups); problem solving (29%, n=25); information about health consequences (24%, n=21); social support (practical) (24%, n=21); and social support (unspecified) (23%, n=20) (the second most common BCT in control groups). Thirteen trials had no identifiable BCTs in either group.

Conclusion

The pharmacist interventions presented in this study did not use the full range of available BCTs. Furthermore, the reporting of BCTs was incomplete for both intervention and control groups, thereby limiting the utility and reproducibility of the interventions. Future interventions should be designed and reported using relevant taxonomies and checklists for example, BCT taxonomy and TIDieR (the template for intervention description and replication).
Six countries, six individuals: resourceful patients navigating medical records in Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Sweden and the USA
Authors: Salmi Liz , Brudnicki Selina , Isono Maho , Riggare Sara , Rodriquez Cecilia , Schaper Louise K , Walker Jan , Delbanco Tom
Published: September 2020

In the absence of international standards, widely differing attitudes and laws, medical and social cultures strongly influence whether and how patients may access their medical records in various settings of care. Reviewing records, including the notes clinicians write, can help shape how people participate in their own care. Aided at times by new technologies, individual patients and care partners are repurposing existing tools and designing innovative, often ‘low-tech’ ways to collect, sort and interpret their own health information. To illustrate diverse approaches that individuals may take, six individuals from six nations offer anecdotes demonstrating how they are learning to collect, assess and benefit from their personal health information.
Comparison of neonatal outcomes of small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age preterm infants born at 28–36 weeks of gestation: a multicentre study in Ethiopia
Authors: Gidi Netsanet Workneh , Goldenberg Robert L , Nigussie Assaye K , McClure Elizabeth , Mekasha Amha , Worku Bogale , Siebeck Matthias , Genzel-Boroviczeny Orsolya , Muhe Lulu M
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess morbidity and mortality pattern of small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants in comparison to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) preterm infants of similar gestational age.

Method

We compared neonatal outcomes of 1336, 1:1 matched, singleton SGA and AGA preterm infants based on their gestational age using data from the study ‘Causes of Illness and Death of Preterm Infants in Ethiopia (SIP)’. Data were analysed using SPSS V.23. ORs and 95% CIs and χ2tests were done, p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

The majority of the infants (1194, 89%) were moderate to late preterm (32–36 weeks of gestation), 763 (57%) were females. Male preterm infants had higher risk of being SGA than female infants (p<0.001). SGA infants had increased risk of hypoglycaemic (OR and 95% CI 1.6 (1.2 to 2.0), necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) 2.3 (1.2 to 4.1), polycythaemia 3.0 (1.6 to 5.4), late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) 3.6 (1.1 to 10.9)) and prolonged hospitalisation 2.9 (2.0 to 4.2). The rates of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), apnoea and mortality were similar in the SGA and AGA groups.

Conclusion

Neonatal complications such as hypoglycaemic, NEC, LOS, polycythaemia and prolonged hospitalisation are more common in SGA infants, while rates of RDS and mortality are similar in SGA and AGA groups. Early recognition of SGA status, high index of suspicion and screening for complications associated and timely intervention to prevent complications need due consideration.