bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ornithine capture by a translating ribosome controls bacterial polyamine synthesis
Authors: del Valle Alba Herrero , Seip Britta , Cervera-Marzal Iñaki , Sacheau Guénaël , Seefeldt A. Carolin , Innis C. Axel
Published: April 2019

Polyamines are essential metabolites that play an important role in cell growth, stress adaptation, and microbial virulence1–3. In order to survive and multiply within a human host, pathogenic bacteria adjust the expression and activity of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes in response to different environmental stresses and metabolic cues2. Here, we show that ornithine capture by the ribosome and the nascent peptide SpeFL controls polyamine synthesis in γ-proteobacteria by inducing the expression of the ornithine decarboxylase SpeF4, via a mechanism involving ribosome stalling and transcription antitermination. In addition, we present the cryo-EM structure of an Escherichia coli (E. coli) ribosome stalled during translation of speFL in the presence of ornithine. The structure shows how the ribosome and the SpeFL sensor domain form a highly selective binding pocket that accommodates a single ornithine molecule but excludes near-cognate ligands. Ornithine pre-associates with the ribosome and is then held in place by the sensor domain, leading to the compaction of the SpeFL effector domain and blocking the action of release factor RF1. Thus, our study not only reveals basic strategies by which nascent peptides assist the ribosome in detecting a specific metabolite, but also provides a framework for assessing how ornithine promotes virulence in several human pathogens.
Bacterial DNA induces the formation of heat-resistant disease-associated “Tetz-proteins” in human plasma
Authors: Tetz Victor , Tetz George V.
Published: April 2019

Our study demonstrated for the first time that bacterial extracellular DNA (eDNA) can change the thermal behaviour of specific human plasma proteins, leading to an elevation of the heat-resistant protein fraction, as well as tode novoacquisition of heat-resistance. In fact, the majority of these proteins were not known to be heat-resistant and nor do they possess any prion-like domain. Proteins found to become heat-resistant following DNA exposure were named “Tetz-proteins”.

Interestingly, plasma proteins that become heat-resistant following treatment with bacterial eDNA are known to be associated with cancer progression. Therefore, we analysed the heat-resistant proteome in the plasma of healthy subjects and in patients with pancreatic cancer and found that exposure to bacterial eDNA made the proteome of healthy subjects more similar to that of cancer patients. These findings open a discussion on the possible novel role of eDNA in disease development following its interaction with specific proteins, including those involved in multifactorial diseases such as cancer.
Focal adhesion kinase confers pro-migratory and anti-apoptotic properties and is a potential therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Steinestel Konrad , Jansen Esther-Pia , Trautmann Marcel , Dirksen Uta , Rehkämper Jan , Mikesch Jan-Henrik , Gerke Julia S. , Orth Martin F. , Sannino Giuseppina , Wardelmann Eva , Grünewald Thomas G. P. , Hartmann Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

Oncogenesis of Ewing sarcoma (EwS), the second most common malignant bone tumor of childhood and adolescence, is dependent on the expression of chimeric EWSR1-ETS fusion oncogenes, most often EWSR1-FLI1 (E/F).

E/F expression leads to dysregulation of focal adhesions (FAs) enhancing the migratory capacity of EwS cells. Here we show that, in EwS cell lines and tissue samples, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is expressed and phosphorylated at Y397 in an E/F-dependent way involving Ezrin. Employing different EwS cell as in vitro models, we found that key malignant properties of E/F are mediated via substrate-independent autophosphorylation of FAK on Y397. This phosphorylation results in enhanced FA formation, Rho-dependent cell migration, and impaired caspase-3-mediated apoptosis in vitro. Conversely, treatment with the FAK inhibitor Y15 enhanced caspase-mediated apoptosis and EwS cell migration, independent from the respective EWSR1-ETS fusion type, mimicking an anoikis-like phenotype. Our findings were confirmed in vivo using an avian chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Our results provide a first rationale for the therapeutic use of FAK inhibitors to impair metastatic dissemination of EwS.
The ratio between centromeric proteins CENP-A and CENP-C maintains homeostasis of human centromeres
Authors: Melters Daniël P. , Rakshit Tatini , Bui Minh , Grigoryev Sergei A. , Sturgill David , Dalal Yamini
Published: April 2019

The centromere is the chromosomal locus that seeds the kinetochore, allowing for a physical connection between the chromosome and the mitotic spindle. At the heart of the centromere is the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A/CENH3. Throughout the cell cycle the constitutive centromere associated network is bound to CENP-A chromatin, but how this protein network modifies CENP-A nucleosome dynamicsin vivois unknown. Here, we purify kinetochore associated native centromeric chromatin and analyze its biochemical features using a combinatorial approach. We report that kinetochore bound chromatin has strongly reduced DNA accessibility and a distinct stabilized nucleosomal configuration. Disrupting the balance between CENP-A and CENP-C result in reduced centromeric occupancy of RNA polymerase 2 and impairedde novoCENP-A loading on the centromeric chromatin fiber, correlating with significant mitotic defects. CENP-A mutants that restore the ratio rescue the mitotic defects. These data support a model in which CENP-C bound centromeric nucleosomes behave as a barrier to the transcriptional machinery and suggest that maintaining the correct ratio between CENP-A and CENP-C levels is critical for centromere homeostasis.
Comparative analysis of amplicon and metagenomic sequencing methods reveals key features in the evolution of animal metaorganisms
Authors: Rausch Philipp , Rühlemann Malte , Hermes Britt , Doms Shauni , Dagan Tal , Dierking Katja , Domin Hanna , Fraune Sebastian , Frieling Jakob von , Humeida Ute Henschel , Heinsen Femke-Anouska , Höppner Marc , Jahn Martin , Jaspers Cornelia , Kissoyan Kohar Annie B. , Langfeldt Daniela , Rehman Ateeqr , Reusch Thorsten B. H. , Röder Thomas , Schmitz Ruth A. , Schulenburg Hinrich , Soluch Ryszard , Sommer Felix , Stukenbrock Eva , Weiland-Bräuer Nancy , Rosenstiel Philip , Franke Andre , Bosch Thomas , Baines John F.
Published: April 2019

Background

The interplay between hosts and their associated microbiome is now recognized as a fundamental basis of the ecology, evolution and development of both players. These interdependencies inspired a new view of multicellular organisms as “metaorganisms”. The goal of the Collaborative Research Center “Origin and Function of Metaorganisms” is to understand why and how microbial communities form long-term associations with hosts from diverse taxonomic groups, ranging from sponges to humans in addition to plants.

Methods

In order to optimize the choice of analysis procedures, which may differ according to the host organism and question at hand, we systematically compared the two main technical approaches for profiling microbial communities, 16S rRNA gene amplicon- and metagenomic shotgun sequencing across our panel of ten host taxa. This includes two commonly used 16S rRNA gene regions and two amplification procedures, thus totaling five different microbial profiles per host sample.

Conclusion

While 16S rRNA gene-based analyses are subject to much skepticism, we demonstrate that many aspects of bacterial community characterization are consistent across methods and that metagenomic shotgun results are largely dependent on the employed pipeline. The resulting insight facilitates the selection of appropriate methods across a wide range of host taxa. Finally, by contrasting taxonomic and functional profiles and performing phylogenetic analysis, we provide important and novel insight into broad evolutionary patterns among metaorganisms, whereby the transition of animals from an aquatic to a terrestrial habitat marks a major event in the evolution of host-associated microbial composition.
Agreement between two large pan-cancer CRISPR-Cas9 gene dependency datasets
Authors: Dempster Joshua M. , Pacini Clare , Pantel Sasha , Behan Fiona M. , Green Thomas , Krill-Burger John , Beaver Charlotte M. , Younger Scott T. , Zhivich Victor , Najgebauer Hanna , Allen Felicity , Gonçalves Emanuel , Shepherd Rebecca , Doench John G. , Yusa Kosuke , Vazquez Francisca , Parts Leopold , Boehm Jesse S. , Golub Todd R. , Hahn William C. , Root David E. , Garnett Mathew J. , Iorio Francesco , Tsherniak Aviad
Published: April 2019

Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 viability screens performed in cancer cell lines provide a systematic approach to identify cancer dependencies and new therapeutic targets. As multiple large-scale screens become available, a formal assessment of the reproducibility of these experiments becomes necessary. We analyzed data from recently published pan-cancer CRISPR-Cas9 screens performed at the Broad and Sanger institutes. Despite significant differences in experimental protocols and reagents, we found that the screen results are highly concordant across multiple metrics with both common and specific dependencies jointly identified across the two studies. Furthermore, robust biomarkers of gene dependency found in one dataset are recovered in the other. Through further analysis and replication experiments at each institute, we found that batch effects are driven principally by two key experimental parameters: the reagent library and the assay length. These results indicate that the Broad and Sanger CRISPR-Cas9 viability screens yield robust and reproducible findings.
Conservative and disruptive modes of adolescent change in brain functional connectivity
Authors: Váša František , Romero-Garcia Rafael , Kitzbichler Manfred G. , Seidlitz Jakob , Whitaker Kirstie J. , Vaghi Matilde M. , Kundu Prantik , Patel Ameera X. , Fonagy Peter , Dolan Raymond J. , Jones Peter B. , Goodyer Ian M. ,   the NSPN Consortium, Vértes Petra E. , Bullmore Edward T.
Published: April 2019

Adolescent changes in human brain function are not entirely understood. Here we used multi-echo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure developmental change in functional connectivity (FC) of resting-state oscillations between pairs of 330 cortical regions and 16 subcortical regions in N=298 healthy adolescents. Participants were aged 14-26 years and were scanned on two or more occasions at least 6 months apart. We found two distinct modes of age-related change in FC: “conservative” and “disruptive”. Conservative development was characteristic of primary cortex, which was strongly connected at 14 years and became even more connected in the period 14-26 years. Disruptive development was characteristic of association cortex, hippocampus and amygdala, which were not strongly connected at 14 years but became more strongly connected during adolescence. We defined the maturational index (MI) as the signed coefficient of the linear relationship between baseline FC (at 14 years,FC14) and adolescent change in FC (∆FC14−26). Disruptive systems (with negative MI) were functionally specialised for social cognition and autobiographical memory and were significantly co-located with prior maps of aerobic glycolysis (AG), AG-related gene expression, post-natal expansion of cortical surface area, and adolescent shrinkage of cortical depth. We conclude that human brain organization is disrupted during adolescence by the emergence of strong functional connectivity of subcortical nuclei and association cortical areas, representing metabolically expensive re-modelling of synaptic connectivity between brain regions that were not strongly connected in childhood. We suggest that this re-modelling process may support emergence of social skills and self-awareness during healthy human adolescence.
Morphogenesis of giant telomeric nuclear bodies in cancer cells with alternative lengthening of telomeres
Authors: Arimasu Yuu , Fujiwara Masachika , Ishii Jun , Chiba Tomohiro , Terado Yuichi , Shishido-Hara Yukiko , Kamma Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

Some cancer cells lengthen their telomeres by alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT); these are referred to as ALT cancer cells and do not express telomerase. The ALT mechanism involves the elongation of telomeric DNA repeats by homologous recombination. In interphase nuclei of ALT cancer cells, giant telomeres can be specifically observed by fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) to detect telomeric repeats, and they are co-localized with promyelocytic-leukemia nuclear-bodies (PML-NBs). However, it how large telomeres specific to ALT and how they form a structural relation with PML-NBs. We refer to giant telomeres specific to interphase ALT cancer cells giant-telomeric nuclear-bodies (GT-NBs). To quantitatively define GT-NBs, we performed telomeric FISH of both interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosomes and analyzed telomere sizes by integrated FISH signals. The distributions of telomere sizes in telomerase-positive cells were similar in interphase nuclei and chromosomes. However, the distribution of telomere sizes in ALT cancer cells differed between interphase nuclei and chromosomes. Giant telomeres that were larger than those at chromosomal ends were only observed in interphase nuclei of ALT cancer cells. Accordingly, GT-NBs could be quantitatively defined as larger than the maximum size of telomeres at chromosomal ends. Furthermore, ALT cancer cells demonstrated fewer telomeric signals in interphase nuclei than in chromosomes. These findings indicate that GT-NBs could be formed by the aggregation of two or more telomeres at chromosomal ends. Furthermore, super-resolution microscopy showed that GT-NBs contain one or two PML-NBs. GT-NBs are considered aggregates of telomeres and could contain multiple sites of homologous recombination accompanied by PML-NBs. These findings may contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches for ALT cancer. (251 words)
Exploring the association of collaterals and vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography in retinal vein occlusions
Authors: Lee Hee Eun , Wang Yiyang , Fayed Alaa E. , Fawzi Amani A.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to characterize the types of collaterals in eyes with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and further investigate their correlations with vessel densities of the superficial (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 25 eyes of 23 patients with RVO. 3 × 3 mm2 OCTA macular scans were used to quantify the parafoveal vessel density (VD) of the SCP and DCP, and to classify the collaterals into one of four types (true superficial, true deep, superficial diving, and foveal collateral). Poisson regression model was used to identify significant associations between parafoveal VD and collaterals. We further compared parafoveal VD between subgroups classified by the presence of specific collateral types based on the results of a clustering algorithm.

Results

16 of 25 eyes (64%) developed collaterals. Of the 43 collateral vessels analyzed, 12/19 (63%) true superficial collaterals developed in eyes with central RVO, while all 10 superficial diving collaterals (100%) developed in eyes with branch RVO. Located exclusively in the SCP, true superficial collaterals were all arteriovenous (A-V), while diving collaterals were all veno-venular (V-V). We found a significant negative correlation between SCP VD and the total number of collaterals (R2 = 0.648, P < 0.001) for the entire study cohort. Furthermore, BRVO eyes that developed superficial diving collaterals and CRVO eyes that developed true superficial collaterals demonstrated statistically significant decrease in SCP VD (P-value = 0.014) and DCP VD (P-value = 0.030), respectively, as compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

Our data shows that decreased capillary perfusion in RVO is associated with the development of collaterals, while the RVO type largely dictates the type of collateral that ultimately develops.
Clinical evaluation of presepsin considering renal function
Authors: Miyoshi Masashi , Inoue Yusuke , Nishioka Mai , Ikegame Akishige , Nakao Takayuki , Nagai Koujirou
Published: April 2019

Presepsin, a glycoprotein produced during bacterial phagocytosis, has attracted attention as a sepsis marker for bacterial infections. However, since presepsin is affected by renal function, there is a need to separate the evaluation criteria for diagnosis of healthy subjects from that of patients with renal disorder. In this study, we analyzed the influence of kidney function on presepsin concentrations and recalculated the reference range based on the findings. For this purpose, EDTA-whole blood from 47 healthy subjects and 85 patients with chronic kidney disease was collected and used for presepsin measurement by PATHFAST. Presepsin was found to be significantly correlated with creatinine (r = 0.834), eGFRcreat (r = 0.837), cystatin-C (r = 0.845) and eGFRcys (r = 0.879).

Furthermore, in patients with chronic kidney disease at different glomerular filtration rate stages, the presepsin levels showed a significant increasing trend with advancing glomerular filtration rate stage. The reference range, calculated by nonparametric method using a total of 67 cases of healthy volunteers and patients with chronic kidney disease G1, was found to be 59–153 pg/mL, which was notably lower than the standard reference range currently used. Presepsin concentrations were positively correlated with some biomarkers of renal function, indicating that it is necessary to consider the influence of renal function in patients with renal impairment. Further, the recalculated reference range might be more useful for diagnosis and treatment of sepsis than the standard reference currently in use, which likely includes false high values.
Evaluating environmental and ecological landscape characteristics relevant to urban resilience across gradients of land-sharing-sparing and urbanity
Authors: Dennis Matthew , Scaletta Katherine L. , James Philip
Published: April 2019

Within urban landscape planning, debate continues around the relative merits of land-sparing (compaction) and land-sharing (sprawl) scenarios. Using part of Greater Manchester (UK) as a case-study, we present a landscape approach to mapping green infrastructure and variation in social-ecological-environmental conditions as a function of land sparing and sharing. We do so for the landscape as a whole as well as for areas of high and low urbanity. Results imply potential trade-offs between land-sparing-sharing scenarios relevant to characteristics critical to urban resilience such as landscape connectivity and diversity, air quality, surface temperature, and access to green space. These trade-offs may be particularly complex due to the parallel influence of patch attributes such as land-cover and size and imply that both ecological restoration and spatial planning have a role to play in reconciling tensions between land-sparing and sharing strategies.
The crystal and molecular structures of three copper-containing complexes and their activities in mimicking galactose oxidase
Authors: Dimeska Roza , Wikaira Jan , Mockler Garry M. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: April 2019

The structures of three copper-containing complexes, namely (benzoato-κ2
O,O′)[(E)-2-({[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]imino}methyl)phenolato-κ3
N,N′,O]copper(II) dihydrate, [Cu(C7H5O2)(C13H19N2O)]·2H2O, 1, [(E)-2-({[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]imino}methyl)phenolato-κ3
N,N′,O](2-phenylacetato-κ2
O,O′)copper(II), [Cu(C8H7O2)(C13H19N2O)], 2, and bis[μ-(E)-2-({[3-(diethylamino)propyl]imino}methyl)phenolato]-κ4
N,N′,O:O;κ4
O:N,N′,O-(μ-2-methylbenzoato-κ2
O:O′)copper(II) perchlorate, [Cu2(C8H7O2)(C12H17N2O)2]ClO4, 3, have been reported and all have been tested for their activity in the oxidation of D-galactose. The results suggest that, unlike the enzyme galactose oxidase, due to the precipitation of Cu2O, this reaction is not catalytic as would have been expected. The structures of 1 and 2 are monomeric, while 3 consists of a dimeric cation and a perchlorate anion [which is disordered over two orientations, with occupancies of 0.64 (4) and 0.36 (4)]. In all three structures, the central Cu atom is five-coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal arrangment (τ parameter of 0.0932 for 1, 0.0888 for 2, and 0.142 and 0.248 for the two Cu centers in 3). In each species, the environment about the Cu atom is such that the vacant sixth position is open, with very little steric crowding.
A hidden Markov model for describing turbostratic disorder applied to carbon blacks and graphene
Authors: Hart Allen G. , Hansen Thomas C. , Kuhs Werner F.
Published: April 2019

A mathematical framework is presented to represent turbostratic disorder in materials like carbon blacks, smectites and twistedn-layer graphene. In particular, the set of all possible disordered layers, including rotated, shifted and curved layers, forms a stochastic sequence governed by a hidden Markov model. The probability distribution over the set of layer types is treated as an element of a Hilbert space and, using the tools of Fourier analysis and functional analysis, expressions are developed for the scattering cross sections of a broad class of disordered materials.
Dependence of X-ray asymmetrical Bragg case plane-wave rocking curves on the deviation from exact Bragg orientation in and perpendicular to the diffraction plane
Authors: Balyan Minas K.
Published: April 2019

For the asymmetrical Bragg case the X-ray plane-wave reflection coefficients and rocking-curve dependences on the deviation angles from the exact Bragg orientation in the diffraction plane and in the direction perpendicular to the diffraction plane are analysed. The region of total reflection and its size dependence on two deviation angles are analysed as well. New peculiarities of the rocking curves are obtained.
Lifecycle profit analysis of prefabricated multi-active façades
Authors: Sundling Rikard , Olander Stefan , Wallentén Petter , Burke Stephen , Bernardo Ricardo , Blomsterberg Åke
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify appropriate concepts of multi-active façades for the renovation of multifamily buildings in Sweden and to determine which, if any, are financially viable.

Design/methodology/approach

A lifecycle profit (LCP) analysis was used to examine financial viability through a ten-step process, which included identifying concepts, assessing costs and prices, calculating the LCP and performing sensitivity analysis. Two existing buildings – one low rise and the other high rise – were used as reference models.

Findings

The findings were contradictory. Implementing any of the multi-active façade concepts on the high-rise building would be financially beneficial. The opposite was, however, the case for the low-rise building. Two factors causing this contradiction have been identified: the façade material before renovation and the size of the building.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to two case buildings situated in Sweden; however, similar buildings represent a significant amount of the existing building stock. Part of the purpose of the study is also to investigate the merits of LCP analysis to evaluate energy-efficient retrofitting. The study implicates the benefits and pitfalls of LCP analysis needed to be considered by researchers and practitioners alike.

Originality/value

The research findings contribute to the understanding of energy-efficient retrofitting of existing multifamily buildings based on prefabricated multi-active façade concepts.
A conceptual wearable monitoring system for physiological indices and clothing microclimate measurement
Authors: Hong Yan , Cao Xuechun , Chen Yan , Pan Zhijuan , Chen Yu , Zeng Xianyi
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate physiological indices related to comfort and health condition, based on which corresponding electronic equipment are selected and applied. A wearable monitoring system using sensor and liquid crystal display (LCD) techniques are then designed. Sensors are used to collect and transmit recording required signals from the wearer. A microcomputer with the type of AT89C52 is used to record and analyze the collected data. LCD is applied to display the health and comfort condition of the wearer.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel wearable monitoring system for the measurement of physiological indices and clothing microclimate is proposed in this study in order to monitoring both health and comfort condition of the wearer.

Findings

The proposed system provides reference for the application of sensor and display technologies in the field of smart clothing, which can be further applied to infant and child care, health care, home entertainment, military and industry.

Originality/value

This paper, first, investigated a framework of a wearable monitoring system considering both comfort and health condition and summarized the related physiological indices. The requirements of both comfort and health condition monitoring are analyzed to select appropriate electronic elements.
Environmental sustainability features in large university campuses
Authors: Abu Qdais Hani , Saadeh Osama , Al-Widyan Mohamad , Al-tal Raed , Abu-Dalo Muna
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the efforts undertaken to convert the large university campus of Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) into a green, resource-efficient and low-carbon campus by following an action-oriented strategy. Sustainability features of the campus were discussed and benchmarked. Challenges were identified and remedial actions were proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking 2015 as the baseline year, data on energy, water consumption and solid waste generation for the university campus were collected. Energy consumption for cooling, heating and transportation, besides electric power consumption, were reported, and the associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were estimated. By calculating the full time equivalent of students and employees, carbon emission and water consumption per capita were calculated. A comparison with other universities worldwide was conducted.

Findings

Although located in a semiarid region with scarce water resources, JUST has set an example by greening its campus through an action-oriented approach. It was found that the per capita carbon emission for JUST campus was 1.33 ton of CO2 equivalent, which is less than the emissions from campuses of other universities worldwide. As for water, this study revealed that the daily per capita water consumption was about 56 L, which is approximately one-third of that for students in institutions in the USA. Furthermore, the findings of this study indicated that the average solid waste generation rate was 0.37 kg per student per day compared to 0.31 kg per capita per day when considering the university community (students and employees) collectively. These figures were less and thus compare favorably to the corresponding data for other universities in both developing and developed countries.

Originality/value

This research addresses the issue of greening JUST campus, which is one of the largest university campuses in the world. JUST campus is located in a semiarid, water-scarce country, which on its own poses a serious challenge. The originality and value of this study mainly stem from the facts that on the one hand, this is one of the unique and pioneering comprehensive studies of its type and, on the other hand, other universities with similar conditions can benefit from the findings of this research to meet the sustainability objectives on their campus operations.
Assessing differences in customers’ personal disposition to e-commerce
Authors: Ramírez-Correa Patricio Esteban , Grandón Elizabeth E. , Arenas-Gaitán Jorge
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine differences in customers’ personal disposition to online shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was proposed based on two types of purchases (hedonic vs utilitarian) and on personal traits of individuals against technology throughout the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) 2.0. Generation and gender were considered to evaluate their impact on the type of purchases. Consumers’ data were collected in Chile through 788 face-to-face surveys. The partial least squares approach was used to test the research model.

Findings

The findings show that optimism and discomfort influence online shopping. Moreover, generation and gender moderate the relationship between the dimensions of the TRI and online purchases.

Originality/value

The contributions of this study are threefold. The analysis of personal traits and the type of purchases contribute to the existing literature on consumer behavior and e-commerce, and provide some insights for marketers to identify segmentation strategies by analyzing the gender and generation of individuals. Second, this study contributes to examining the stability and invariances of the TRI 2.0 instrument, which has not been fully revised in less developed countries. Third, this study adds to the existing body of research that argues that demographic variables are not sufficient to understand technology adoption by individuals by including psychological variables.
Open government for all? Co-creating digital public services for older adults through data walks
Authors: Jarke Juliane
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review interventions/methods for engaging older adults in meaningful digital public service design by enabling them to engage critically and productively with open data and civic tech.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates data walks as a method for engaging non-tech-savvy citizens in co-design work. These were evaluated along a framework considering how such interventions allow for sharing control (e.g. over design decisions), sharing expertise and enabling change.

Findings

Within a co-creation project, different types of data walks may be conducted, including ideation walks, data co-creation walks or user test walks. These complement each other with respect to how they facilitate the sharing of control and expertise, and enable change for a variety of older citizens.

Practical implications

Data walks are a method with a low-threshold, potentially enabling a variety of citizens to engage in co-design activities relating to open government and civic tech.

Social implications

Such methods address the digital divide and further social participation of non-tech-savvy citizens. They value the resources and expertise of older adults as co-designers and partners, and counter stereotypical ideas about age and ageing.

Originality/value

This pilot study demonstrates how data walks can be incorporated into larger co-creation projects.
Safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplant in 9 critically ill patients with severe and complicated Clostridium difficile infection with impending colectomy
Authors: Alukal Joseph , Dutta Sudhir K , Surapaneni Balarama Krishna , Le Michelle , Tabbaa Obada , Phillips Laila , Mattar Mark C
Published: April 2019

Objective

Significant data support the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The objective of our study was to determine the success rate of FMT in patients diagnosed with severe and complicated CDI with impending colectomy in the intensive care setting.

Methods

This was a 2‐center study of 9 patients who met the criteria for severe and complicated CDI and had an impending colectomy. All 9 patients had failed conventional antibiotic therapy and were deemed too unstable to undergo a colectomy. Hence, FMT was considered to be the next step in managing their condition.

Results

Following FMT there was marked improvement in the patients’ clinical status, with the resolution of diarrhea, reduced requirement for vasopressor, and the reduction in abdominal distention and pain. The primary cure rate of our study after a single round of FMT was 78% (7/9). Of the 9 patients 8 (88.88%) avoided a colectomy during the same hospital admission. the CDI‐related death rate was 12.5% (1/9) and that of non‐CDI was 12.5% (1/9).

Conclusion

Our success with FMT in fulminant CDI shows that this therapeutic modality is a promising alternative to a colectomy and could be a potential bowel‐saving intervention.
Case study of an inborn error manifested in the elderly: A woman with adult‐onset mitochondrial disease mimicking systemic vasculitis
Authors: Lee Jae Hyun , Kim Min Jung , Park Sung‐Hye , Chae Jong‐Hee , Shin Kichul
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders presenting mainly during infancy due to pathological dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We report a case of mitochondrial disease in an elderly woman complaining of generalized myalgia. A 69‐year‐old woman was admitted due to fatigue, general weakness, and a drowsy mental status. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multifocal lesions of increased T2 signal intensity, and laboratory findings were consistent with Fanconi syndrome. During her hospital course, she developed seizures, stress‐induced cardiomyopathy, and respiratory failure. A muscle biopsy demonstrated ragged‐red fibers in the muscle tissues seen in mitochondrial myopathy. We confirmed an 8 kb deletion in her mitochondrial DNA. Following treatment with l‐carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and supportive measures, brain lesions on MRI scans disappeared, and the general symptoms gradually improved.
The price effects of cross‐market mergers: theory and evidence from the hospital industry
Authors: Dafny Leemore , Ho Kate , Lee Robin S.
Published: April 2019

We consider the effect of mergers between firms whose products are not viewed as direct substitutes for the same good or service, but are bundled by a common intermediary. Focusing on hospital mergers across distinct geographic markets, we show that such combinations can reduce competition among merging hospitals for inclusion in insurers' networks, leading to higher prices (or lower‐quality care). Using data on hospital mergers from 1996–2012, we find support that this mechanism operates within state boundaries: cross‐market, within‐state hospital mergers yield price increases of 7%–9 % for acquiring hospitals, whereas out‐of‐state acquisitions do not yield significant increases.
Microbial eukaryotes in the suboxic chemosynthetic ecosystem of Movile Cave, Romania
Authors: Reboul Guillaume , Moreira David , Bertolino Paola , Hillebrand‐Voiculescu Alexandra Maria , López‐García Purificación
Published: April 2019

Movile Cave is a small system of partially inundated galleries in limestone settings close to the Black Sea in Southeast Romania. Isolated from the surface for 6 million years, its sulfidic, methane and ammonia‐rich waters harbour unique chemosynthetic prokaryotic communities that include sulphur and ammonium‐metabolizing chemolithotrophs, methanogens, methanotrophs and methylotrophs. The cave also harbours cave‐dwelling invertebrates and fungi, but the diversity of other microbial eukaryotes remained completely unknown. Here, we apply an 18S rRNA gene‐based metabarcoding approach to study the composition of protist communities in floating microbial mats and plankton from a well‐preserved oxygen‐depleted cave chamber. Our results reveal a wide protist diversity with, as dominant groups, ciliates (Alveolata), Stramenopiles, especially bicosoecids, and jakobids (Excavata). Ciliate sequences dominated both, microbial mats and plankton, followed by either Stramenopiles or excavates. Stramenopiles were more prominent in microbial mats, whereas jakobids dominated the plankton fraction of the oxygen‐depleted water column. Mats cultured in the laboratory were enriched in Cercozoa. Consistent with local low oxygen levels, Movile Cave protists are most likely anaerobic or microaerophilic. Several newly detected OTU clades were very divergent from cultured species or environmental sequences in databases and represent phylogenetic novelty, notably within jakobids. Movile Cave protists likely cover a variety of ecological roles in this ecosystem including predation, parasitism, saprotrophy and possibly diverse prokaryote‐protist syntrophies.
The spleen morphophysiology of fruit bats
Authors: Hanadhita Desrayni , Rahma Anisa , Prawira Andhika Yudha , Mayasari Ni Luh Putu Ika , Satyaningtijas Aryani Sismin , Hondo Eiichi , Agungpriyono Srihadi
Published: April 2019

Spleen is one of the important lymphoid organs with wide variations of morphological and physiological functions according to species. Morphology and function of the spleen in bats, which are hosts to several viral strains without exhibiting clinical symptoms, remain to be fully elucidated. This study aims to examine the spleen morphology of fruit bats associated with their physiological functions. Spleen histological observations were performed in three fruit bats species: Cynopterus titthaecheilus (n = 9), Rousettus leschenaultii (n = 3) and Pteropus vampyrus (n = 3). The spleens of these fruit bats were surrounded by a thin capsule. Red pulp consisted of splenic cord and wide vascular space filled with blood. Ellipsoids in all three studied species were found numerously and adjacent to one another forming macrophages aggregates. White pulp consisted of periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (PALS), lymphoid follicles and marginal zone. The lymphoid follicle contained a germinal centre and a tingible body macrophage that might reflect an active immune system. The marginal zone was prominent and well developed. This study reports some differences in spleen structure of fruit bats compared to other bat species previously reported and discusses possible physiological implications of the spleen based on its morphology.
Quality improvement in surgery: introduction of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program into New South Wales
Authors: Richardson Arthur J. , Cox Michael R. , Shakeshaft Anthony J. , Hodge Bruce , Morgan Gary , Pang Tony , Zeng Mingjuan , Scanlon Kate , Austin Robyn , Dawadi Ashma , Burgess Crystal , Rawstron Ellen , Dalton Sarah , Leveque Jean‐Frederic
Published: April 2019

Background

Quality improvement in surgery requires accurate, reliable, risk‐adjusted and comparative data. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) takes reliable clinical data and provides risk‐adjusted comparisons with more than 800 hospitals. This paper describes the early outcomes of introducing this programme into New South Wales (NSW).

Methods

Four NSW hospitals formed a collaborative. Surgical clinical reviewers were trained and data collected. Risk‐adjusted reports were returned to individual hospitals and the NSW Collaborative.

Results

The results identified that the NSW Collaborative were outliers for the following causes of morbidity: urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, pneumonia and 30‐day readmissions.

Conclusion

We have shown that ACS‐NSQIP can be adapted to Australia and there is a plan to widen the programme in NSW.
Predictive energy equations are inaccurate for determining energy expenditure in adult burn injury: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Leung James , Ridley Emma J. , Cleland Heather , Ihle Joshua F. , Paul Eldho , King Susannah J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Severe burn injuries are associated with hypermetabolism. This study aimed to compare the measured energy expenditure (mEE) with predicted energy requirements (pERs), and to correlate energy expenditure (EE) with clinical parameters in adults with severe burn injury.

Methods

Data were retrospectively analysed on 29 burn patients (median (interquartile range) age: 46 (28–61) years, % total body surface area burn: 37% (18–46%)) admitted to an intensive care unit. Indirect calorimetry was performed on 1–4 occasions per patient to measure EE. mEE was compared with pER calculated using four prediction equations. Bland–Altman and correlation analyses were performed.

Results

Mean ± SD mEE was 9752 ± 2089 kJ/day (143 ± 32% of predicted basal metabolic rate). Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated clinically important overestimation for three of the four prediction equations and wide 95% limits of agreement for all equations. Overestimation of EE was more marked early post‐burn. mEE correlated with day post‐burn (r = 0.42, P = 0.004) and number of operations prior to first EE measurement (r = 0.34, P = 0.016), but not with % total body surface area (r = 0.02, P = 0.9).

Conclusions

Patients with severe burn injury exhibit hypermetabolism. The observed poor agreement between pER and mEE at an individual level indicates the value of indirect calorimetry in determining EE in burn injury.
Conservative treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis: A prospective study
Authors: Egekvist Anne G. , Marinovskij Edvard , Forman Axel , Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Graumann Ole , Seyer‐Hansen Mikkel
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Deep infiltrating endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain. However, some patients have limited problems that may be controlled by medical treatment, so avoiding the potentially severe complications of major surgery. This approach requires detailed knowledge on quality of life and clinical symptoms over time. The aim of the study was to monitor these parameters in patients with rectosigmoid endometriosis treated with oral contraceptives, oral gestagens, and/or the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device. Moreover, nodule size measurements performed with transvaginal sonography were correlated to severity of symptoms.

Material and methods

Conservatively treated patients on oral contraceptives, oral gestagens, or the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device underwent transvaginal sonography and answered a self‐administered questionnaire regarding clinical symptoms and quality of life (Short Form 36 and Endometriosis Health Profile 30) at baseline, and 6 and 12 months later.

Results

Eighty women completed the follow up. Scores of quality of life were comparable to normative data for Danish women of similar age and did not change with time. No association between change in size of the rectosigmoid nodule and change in symptoms was seen.

Conclusions

This study supports that simple treatment with oral contraceptives, oral gestagens, or the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device represents a viable therapeutic approach to rectosigmoid Deep infiltrating endometriosis, provided that proper selection of patients in need of surgery exists.
Progression characteristics of ellipsoid zone loss in macular telangiectasia type 2
Authors: Pauleikhoff Daniel , Bonelli Roberto , Dubis Adam M , Gunnemann Frederic , Rothaus Kai , Charbel Issa Peter , Heeren Tjebo FC , Peto Tunde , Clemons Traci E , Chew Emily Y , Bird Alan C , Sallo Ferenc B ,   The MacTel Study Group
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To investigate the progression characteristics of ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss in eyes with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) as reflected by area and linear measurements, and their relevance for visual acuity.

Methods

Participants were selected from the MacTel Study cohort. Linear and area measurements of EZ loss were performed in Spectral‐Domain Optical Coherence Tomograph (SD‐OCT) volume scans. Progression characteristics and correlations between linear and area measurements were analysed using linear mixed effects models.

Results

A total of 134 eyes of 70 patients were included (85 eyes with follow‐up, mean 4.7 years, range: 1.4–8 years). Ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss significantly progressed at a mean annual increment of 0.057 mm2 (p = 0.005). The progression rate was non‐linear and interacted significantly with initial EZ lesion size indicating an exponential growth before reaching a plateau. There was a strong heterogeneity in area sizes between fellow eyes. EZ break length had a significant linear effect on EZ break area (b = 1.06, p < 0.001) and could predict it. The location of the EZ break had a significant impact on visual acuity.

Conclusion

Ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss in MacTel has a non‐linear progression characteristic, and its rate depends on area size at baseline, which must be taken into account at sample selection in clinical trials. Our results show a good correlation of linear and area measures of EZ loss and a segregation of best‐corrected visual acuity by EZ location, which may help routine clinical practice.
Look who’s talking: Exploring instructors’ contributions to Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Goshtasbpour Fereshte , Swinnerton Bronwen , Morris Neil Peter
Published: April 2019

Previous research on xMOOC pedagogy has established that learner interactions in discussion forums play a fundamental role in learning. However, little is known about the extent to which MOOC instructors engage with learner conversations and the impact this has on learner engagement. Adopting a novel design, this study went beyond self‐reported methods, and combined transcript analysis and in‐depth interviews to examine the dynamics of learner‐instructor interactions and to revisit the use of the Community of Inquiry framework (CoI) in MOOC context. The findings revealed that the majority of instructors’ contributions to learner conversations are social, followed by teaching and cognitive contributions. While all contribution types decreased over the duration of the MOOC, the relative importance of each type did not necessarily change. Furthermore, the analysis showed that learners engaged with 42% of instructor contributions by responding to or liking them or both. Considering the application of the CoI to massive and open online learning contexts, this study demonstrates that while the framework can unfold educational transactions in MOOCs, reoperationalisation and reconceptualisation of some indicators along with the introduction of new indicators are essential. The implications of this for theory and practice are discussed.
Prognostic significance of mutation profile at diagnosis and mutation persistence during disease remission in adult acute myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Folta Adam , Culen Martin , Jeziskova Ivana , Herudkova Zdenka , Tom Nikola , Hlubinkova Tereza , Janeckova Veronika , Durinikova Anna , Vydra Jan , Semerad Lukas , Dvorakova Dana , Remesova Hana , Cerovska Ela , Cetkovsky Petr , Jindra Pavel , Szotkowski Tomas , Zak Pavel , Mayer Jiri , Racil Zdenek
Published: April 2019

In this multi‐centre study, we analysed the prognostic impact of mutations in 19 genes associated with myeloid malignancies in 258 newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia patients (aged 19–70 years) undergoing intensive therapy. We identified five patient groups with different prognostic risks and different benefits from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) within the intermediate cytogenetic risk group patients (n = 184). The most adverse prognosis was observed in patients with DNMT3A and FLT3‐ITD co‐mutation, whose survival could be significantly improved with alloHSCT. In contrast, the most favourable prognosis without any further benefit from alloHSCT was identified in patients with mutations in NPM1 or CEBPA, after exclusion of the unfavourable prognostic groups defined by mutations in DNMT3A, RUNX1 or genes from chromatin/spliceosome group. An additional analysis of 113 diagnosis‐remission paired samples revealed that persistence of non‐DNMT3A mutations (above 2% VAF) represented a further negative prognostic factor. The proposed model offers a possible molecular stratification and treatment guidance for intermediate cytogenetic risk group patients.