bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden sources of fluids, sodium and potassium in stabilised Swedish ICU patients
Authors: Nihlén Sandra , Kawati Rafael , Rasmusson Johan , Rylander Christian , Pikwer Andreas , Castegren Markus , Belin Anton , Lipcsey Miklos
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Fluid overload in ICU patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although studies report on optimisation of resuscitation fluids given to ICU patients, increasing evidence suggests that maintenance fluids and fluids used to administer drugs are important sources of fluid overload.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the volume of maintenance fluids and electrolytes on overall fluid balance and their relation to mortality in stabilised ICU patients.

DESIGN

Multicentre retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Six mixed surgical and medical ICUs in Sweden.

PATIENTS

A total of 241 adult patients who spent at least 7 days in the ICU during 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was the volume of maintenance, resuscitation and drug diluent fluids administered on days 3 to 7 in the ICU. Secondary endpoints were to compare dispensed amounts of maintenance fluids and electrolytes with predicted requirements. We also investigated the effects of administered fluids and electrolytes on patient outcomes.

RESULTS

During ICU days 3 to 7, 56.4% of the total fluids given were maintenance fluids, nutritional fluids or both, 25.4% were drug fluids and 18.1% were resuscitation fluids. Patients received fluids 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.56) times their estimated fluid needs. Despite this, 93% of the cohort was treated with diuretics or renal replacement therapy. Patients were given 2.17 (1.57 to 2.96) times their theoretical sodium needs and 1.22 (0.75 to 1.77) times their potassium needs. The median [IQR] volume of fluid loss during the 5-day study period was 3742 [3156 to 4479] ml day−1, with urine output the main source of fluid loss. Death at 90 days was not associated with fluid or electrolyte balance in this cohort.

CONCLUSION

Maintenance and drug fluids far exceeded resuscitative fluids in ICU patients beyond the resuscitative phase. This excess fluid intake, in conjunction with high urinary output and treatment for fluid offload in almost all patients, suggests that a large volume of the maintenance fluids given was unnecessary.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.org NCT03972475
Comparison of adequacy of anaesthesia monitoring with standard clinical practice monitoring during routine general anaesthesia
Authors: Gruenewald Matthias , Harju Jarkko , Preckel Benedikt , Molnár Zsolt , Yli-Hankala Arvi , Rosskopf Florian , Koers Lena , Orban Agnes , Bein Berthold
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that monitoring the levels of both hypnosis and antinociception could reduce periods of inadequate anaesthesia. However, the evidence regarding associated benefits of this monitoring is still limited.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to confirm that guidance of anaesthesia by depth of hypnosis and antinociception monitoring decreases the number of inadequate anaesthesia events in comparison with standard clinical practice.

DESIGN

A multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted in four European University hospitals in four different countries between December 2013 and November 2016.

PATIENTS

The study population consisted of a total of 494 adult patients undergoing elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients were allocated to one of two groups. The first group was treated using Entropy for depth of hypnosis and surgical pleth index to determine depth of antinociception (adequacy of anaesthesia group; AoA group). The second group was monitored using standard monitoring alone (control group). Anaesthesia was conducted with target-controlled infusions of propofol and remifentanil.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of the study was the number of total unwanted events for example signs of inadequately light or unintentionally deep anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Evidence of inadequate anaesthesia had an incidence of around 0.7 events per patient in both groups with no difference between groups (P = 0.519). In the AoA group, the overall consumption of propofol was significantly reduced (6.9 vs. 7.5 mg kg−1 h−1, P = 0.008) in comparison with the control group. The consumption of remifentanil was equal in both groups. The times to emergence [8.0 vs. 9.6 min (P = 0.005)] and full recovery in the postanaesthesia care unit (P = 0.043) were significantly shorter in the AoA group. No differences were seen in postoperative pain scores or in the use of analgesics.

CONCLUSION

In the current study, the guidance of total intravenous anaesthesia by Entropy and surgical pleth index in comparison with standard monitoring alone was not able to validate reduction of unwanted anaesthesia events. However, there was a reduction in the use of propofol, and shorter times for emergence and time spent in the postanaesthesia care unit.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01928875.
Comparison of Right Colon Adenoma Miss Rates Between Water Exchange and Carbon Dioxide Insufflation
Authors: Cheng Chi-Liang , Kuo Yen-Lin , Hsieh Yu-Hsi , Tang Jui-Hsiang , Leung Felix W.
Published: October 2020

Goals:

To test the hypothesis that water exchange (WE), when compared with carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation, significantly reduces the right colon adenoma miss rate (rAMR) in a blinded randomized controlled trial with cap-assisted colonoscopy.

Background:

The unblinded consecutive group observational data showed that WE significantly decreased rAMR. The unblinded data are limited by potential bias.

Study:

Consecutive patients aged 45 years or more were randomized to undergo insertion with WE or CO2. Withdrawal and polypectomy were performed with CO2 in both groups to the hepatic flexure. The colonoscope was reinserted to the cecum. A second colonoscopist re-examined the right colon. The second colonoscopist was unaware, but made a guess, of the initial insertion method. The number of additional adenomas divided by the total number detected in both examinations equaled rAMR.

Results:

Among 262 patients (131/group), demographic variables were similar. The body mass index was significantly higher in the WE group. Compared with CO2, WE significantly decreased rAMR [18.0% (33/183) vs. 34.6% (62/179), P=0.0025] and right colon serrated polyp miss rate [17.4% (27/155) vs. 39.3% (33/84), P=0.002]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that WE was an independent predictor of rAMR (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.86), and so was ≥2 adenomas in the right colon (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-4.76). Whether the second colonoscopist guessed the insertion method correctly or not, and demographic and procedure variables were not associated with rAMR.

Conclusions:

The randomized controlled trial validated unblinded observational data showing that WE significantly decreased rAMR and right colon serrated polyp miss rate (clinical trial registration number: NCT03845933).
Gut‐Brain Axis Exploration
Authors: Tezza Giovanna , Paiola Giulia , Zoccante Leonardo , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Smania Nicola , Ciceri Marco Luigi , Boner Attilio , Piacentini Giorgio , Banzato Claudia
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The pathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is associated with dysfunction at various levels of the gut‐brain axis. Hypervigilance can result in an increased tendency to report pain. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether hypervigilance can influence attentional processing in postural control in children with FGIDs.

Patients and Methods:

Fifty‐nine participants classified into healthy subjects, those with FGIDs, and those with organic diseases (Org) based on Rome IV criteria were enrolled. Postural control under 6 sensory conditions was evaluated using a stabilometric platform. The mean velocity of the center of pressure (CoP) displacement in the anteroposterior direction and the mediolateral direction, the length of the CoP trajectory, and the sway area were also measured.

Results:

With visual and somatosensorial normal inputs, participants with FGIDs showed a higher number of anteroposterior (FGIDs: 4[interquartile range [IQR] 3–7], control [Cntl] 3 [IQR 3–4], P < 0.05) latero‐lateral oscillations (FGIDs: 3 [IQR 3–6], Cntl 3 [IQR 2–3], P < 0.05) and a higher perimeter value (FGIDs: 148 [IQR 121–240], Cntl 124 [IQR 111–140], P = 0.056) compared to healthy subjects. With normal visual but altered somatosensorial input, subjects with FGIDs showed higher values of all parameters (anteroposterior: FGIDs 6[IQR 5–8], Cntl and Org 5 [IQR 4–6], P < 0.05; latero‐lateral FGIDs 6 [IQR 4–8], Cntl 4 [IQR 4–5], Org 4[IQR 3–5], P < 0.05; perimeter FGIDs 253 [IQR 167–305], Cntl 185 [IQR 161–217], Org 176 [IQR 142–219], P < 0.05; area FGIDs 98 [IQR 81–233], Cntl 86 [IQR 59–114], Org 56 [IQR 41–97], P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The higher number of oscillations in subjects with FGIDs who had normal visual input could be expression of alteration in attention and therefore hypervigilance as hypothesized in the context of gut‐brain axis alterations.
Pentosan Polysulfate–Associated Macular Disease in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Lyons Riley J. , Ahmad Samera , Ansari Sana , Foote Jenelle E. , Jain Nieraj
Published: October 2020

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2020;135:1091–1094)

As the approved oral agent for interstitial cystitis, pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) has been widely used since its approval in 1996. Historically recognized adverse effects of PPS are not serious.
Adult Dismembered Body With Myositis Ossificans
Authors: Shinkawa Norihiro , Kakizaki Eiji , Sonoda Ai , Yukawa Nobuhiro
Published: October 2020

A case involving an adult dismembered body with myositis ossificans (MO) is described. A woman in her 20s was found dead in her cohabitants' room. The body had dismembered into 15 pieces. Computed tomography showed ectopic mineralization in the bilateral upper arms and thighs. On autopsy, the skin and soft tissue were in the process of adipocere formation. Darkened areas that appeared to be subcutaneous hemorrhage were distributed on the face, left chest, and back. Bilateral upper arms and thighs showed organized granulations adherent to underlying bone. Microscopically, these organized lesions represented mature bone tissue in the periphery, cartilage tissue in the middle layer, and fibrotic tissue in the central part. These were typical findings of MO. Myositis ossificans and subcutaneous hemorrhage seemed to be evidence of antemortem repetitive physical abuse. In cases of dismemberment, the absence of organs and parts of the body provide limitations to determining cause of death. In forensic fields, adult autopsy cases involving MO are rare. This is an unusual case in which MO revealed antemortem physical abuse despite dismemberment of the body.
Androgenetic/Biparental Mosaic/Chimeric Conceptions With a Molar Component: A Diagnostic and Clinical Challenge
Authors: Hodgson Anjelica , Dube Valerie , Strickland Sarah , Kolomietz Elena , Noor Abdul , Akbari Amir , Colgan Terence , Turashvili Gulisa
Published: October 2020

Hydatidiform moles (HM) are gestational trophoblastic diseases which arise due to an imbalance in genetic material and which are morphologically characterized by enlarged and irregular chorionic villi and trophoblastic hyperplasia, among other features. The morphologic differential diagnosis for HM encompasses a number of entities including androgenetic/biparental mosaic/chimeric (ABMC) conceptions, an interesting duo of lesions with a nonmolar form (placental mesenchymal dysplasia) and a molar form (typically with a complete HM component). ABMC conceptions contain a mixture of 2 cell populations (1 androgenetic and 1 biparental) and arise as a result of mosaicism (mitotic error in a zygote) or chimerism (fusion of 2 zygotes). Because of their unique molecular underpinnings, these rare lesions show a number of findings including the presence of multiple villous populations, discordant p57 immunostaining, and mixed genotypes. ABMC conceptions are important to accurately diagnose as the molar form in particular carries a risk for persistent gestational trophoblastic diseases and thus requires appropriate treatment and follow-up. In this report, we provide detailed characterizations of 2 such cases of ABMC conceptions with a molar component. Both patients (ages 34 and 31) were in the first trimester of pregnancy and had ultrasound findings concerning for HM. Increased comprehension of the pathogenesis and morphology of ABMC conceptions, combined with ancillary techniques including p57 immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and molar genotyping, has allowed us to accurately and efficiently identify these lesions. However, a number of pitfalls exist which may lead to misdiagnosis.
Evolution of Surgical Management of Sagittal Synostosis
Authors: Bradford Perry S. , Ishaque Mariam , Shaffrey Ellen , Schaeffer Christine V. , Jr John A. Jane , Syed Hasan , Black Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Numerous methods for surgical correction of sagittal synostosis have been described in the literature, yielding similar outcomes. At the authors’ institution, surgical approaches to correct this condition have evolved over the past few decades, including Π, H-type craniectomies (Renier), endoscopic suturectomy, and our current technique, the FLAG procedure. Our aim is to review the evolution of these surgical techniques at our institution and compare patient outcomes. A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients undergoing correction for craniosynostosis from 2008 to 2018. All patients with a diagnosis of nonsyndromic isolated sagittal craniosynostosis were included and classified into one of 4 groups by the type of surgical correction performed (H-type, FLAG, endoscopic, other). The authors identified 166 consecutive patients with a mean age at time of surgery of 6.7 ± 4.0 months. 91 (54.8%) carried a diagnosis of nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis. 63 patients underwent H-type procedures, 9 underwent FLAG procedures, 5 underwent endoscopic procedures, and 14 were classified as other (distraction or other implant). Perioperatively, the FLAG group had the shortest ICU stay (1.3 days, P < 0.05), postoperative transfusion requirement (42cc pRBC, P < 0.001), and complication rate (0.0%). The endoscopic group had the shortest surgical time at 2.00 hours (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in cranial index or revision procedures between the four groups was identified. Overall, the mean length of follow-up was 25.3 months. All procedures had similar results for cranial index with decreased surgical time, transfusion volume, and hospital stay seen in FLAG and endoscopic groups.
Evaluation of International Contemporary Operative Outcomes and Management Trends Associated With Esophagectomy
Authors: Kuppusamy Madhan K. , Low Donald E. ,   On Behalf of the International Esodata Study Group (IESG)
Published: October 2020

Objective:

This study aims to verify the utility of international online datasets to benchmark and monitor treatment and outcomes in major oncologic procedures.

Background:

The Esophageal Complication Consensus Group (ECCG) has standardized the reporting of complications after esophagectomy within the web-based Esodata.org database. This study will utilize the Esodata dataset to update contemporary outcomes and to monitor trends in practice in an era of rapid technical change.

Methods:

This observational study, based on a prospectively developed specific database, updates esophagectomy outcomes collected between 2015 and 2018. Evolution in patient and operative demographics, treatment, complications, and quality outcome measures were compared between patients undergoing surgery in 2015 to 2016 and 2017 to 2018.

Results:

Between 2015 and 2018, 6022 esophagectomies from 39 centers were entered into Esodata. Most patients were male (78.3%) with median age 63. Patients having minimally invasive esophagectomy constituted 3177 (52.8%), a chest anastomosis 3838 (63.7%), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy 2834 (48.7%), and R0 resections 5441 (93.5%). For quality measures, 30- and 90-day mortality was 2.0% and 4.5%, readmissions 9.7%, transfusions 12%, escalation in care 22.1%, and discharge home 89.4%. Trends in quality measures between 2015 and 2016 (2407 patients) and 2017 and 2018 (3318 patients) demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) improvements in readmissions 11.1% to 8.5%, blood transfusions 14.3% to 10.2%, and escalation in care from 24.5% to 20% A significantly (P < 0.05) reduced incidence in pneumonia (15.3%–12.8%) and renal failure (1.0%–0.4%) was observed. Anastomotic leak rates increased from 11.7% to 13.1%, whereas leaks requiring surgery decreased 3.3% and 3.0%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The Esodata database provides a valuable resource for assessing contemporary international outcomes. This study highlights an increased application of minimally invasive approaches, a high percentage of complications, improvements in pneumonia and key quality metrics, but with anastomotic leak rates still >10%.
Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Internal Hernia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in a Multicentric Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Giudicelli Guillaume , Poletti Pierre-Alexandre , Platon Alexandra , Marescaux Jacques , Vix Michel , Diana Michele , Lapergola Alfonso , Worreth Marc , Saadi Alend , Bugmann Aurélie , Morel Philippe , Toso Christian , Mönig Stefan , Hagen Monika E. , Jung Minoa K.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a prediction score for internal hernia (IH) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Summary Background Data:

The clinical diagnosis of IH is challenging. A sensitivity of 63% to 92% was reported for computed tomography (CT).

Methods:

Consecutive patients admitted for abdominal pain after RYGB and undergoing CT and surgical exploration were included retrospectively. Potential clinical predictors and radiological signs of IH were entered in binary logistic regression analysis to determine a predictive score of surgically confirmed IH in the Geneva training set (January 2006–December 2014), and validated in 3 centers, Geneva (January 2015–December 2017) and Neuchâtel and Strasbourg (January 2012–December 2017).

Results:

Two hundred twenty-eight patients were included, 80 of whom (35.5%) had surgically confirmed IH, 38 (16.6%) had a negative laparoscopy, and 110 (48.2%) had an alternate diagnosis. In the training set of 61 patients, excess body weight loss >95% (odds ratio [OR] 6.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–39.96), swirl sign (OR 8.93, 95% CI: 2.30–34.70), and free liquid (OR 4.53, 95% CI: 1.08–19.0) were independent predictors of IH. Area under the curve (AUC) of the score was 0.799. In the validation set of 167 patients, AUC was 0.846. A score ≥2 was associated with an IH incidence of 60.7% (34/56), and 5.3% (3/56) had a negative laparoscopy.

Conclusions:

The score could be incorporated in the clinical setting. To reduce the risk of delayed IH diagnosis, emergency explorative laparoscopy in patients with a score ≥ 2 should be considered.
Is Hospital Occupancy Rate Associated With Postoperative Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Hepatopancreatic Surgery?
Authors: Hyer J. Madison , Paredes Anghela Z. , Tsilimigras Diamantis , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To define the association between hospital occupancy rate and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing hepatopancreatic (HP) resection.

Summary Background Data:

Previous studies have sought to identify hospital-level characteristics associated with optimal surgical outcomes and decreased expenditures. The present study utilized a novel hospital quality metric coined “occupancy rate” based on publicly available data to assess differences in postoperative outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing HP procedures.

Methods:

Medicare beneficiaries who underwent an elective HP surgery between 2013 and 2017 were identified. Occupancy rate was calculated and hospitals were categorized into quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess the association between occupancy rate and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Among 33,866 patients, the majority underwent a pancreatic resection (58.5%; n = 19,827), were male (88.4%; n = 7,488), or white (88.4%; n = 29,950); median age was 72 years [interquartile range (IQR): 68–77] and median Charleston Comorbidity Index was 3 (IQR 2–8). Hospitals were categorized into quartiles based on hospital occupancy rate (cutoffs: 48.1%, 59.4%, 68.2%). Most patients underwent an HP operation at a hospital with an above average occupancy rate (n = 20,865, 61.6%), whereas only a small subset of patients had an HP procedure at a low occupancy rate hospital (n = 1,218, 3.6%). On multivariable analysis, low hospital occupancy rate was associated with increased odds of a complication [(OR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.55) and 30-day mortality (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.27–1.97). Even among only high-volume HP hospitals, patients operated on at hospitals that had a low occupancy rate were at markedly higher risk of complications (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03–1.97), as well as 30 day morality (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.27–3.83).

Conclusions:

Among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing an elective HP resection, more than 1 in 4 hospitals performing HP surgeries utilized less than half of their beds on average. There was a monotonic relationship between hospital occupancy rate and the odds ofexperiencing a complication, as well as 30-day mortality, independent of other hospital level characteristics including procedural volume.
Development and validation of a five-factor score for prediction of pathologic pneumatosis
Authors: Rieser Caroline J. , Dadashzadeh Esmaeel R. , Handzel Robert M. , Clancy Kadie J. , Kaltenmeier Christof T. , Moses JB , Forsythe Raquel M. , Wu Shandong , Rosengart Matthew R.
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The significance of pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) remains challenging. While certain clinical scenarios are predictive of transmural ischemia, risk models to assess the presence of pathologic PI are needed. The aim of this study was to determine what patient factors at the time of radiographic diagnosis of PI predict the risk for pathologic PI.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining patients with PI from 2010 to 2016 at a multicenter hospital network. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model for pathologic PI in a derivation cohort. Using regression-coefficient–based methods, the final multivariate model was converted into a five-factor–based score. Calibration and discrimination of the score were then assessed in a validation cohort.

RESULTS

Of 305 patients analyzed, 102 (33.4%) had pathologic PI. We identified five factors associated with pathologic PI at the time of radiographic diagnosis: small bowel PI, age 70 years or older, heart rate 110 bpm or greater, lactate of 2 mmol/L or greater, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio 10 or greater. Using this model, patients in the validation cohort were assigned risk scores ranging from 0 to 11. Low-risk patients were categorized when scores are 0 to 4; intermediate, score of 5 to 6; high, score of 7 to 8; and very high risk, 9+. In the validation cohort, very high-risk patients (n = 17; 18.1%) had predicted rates of pathologic pneumatosis of 88.9% and an observed rate of 82.4%. In contrast, patients labeled as low risk (n = 37; 39.4%) had expected rates of pathologic pneumatosis of 1.3% and an observed rate of 0%. The model showed excellent discrimination (area under the curve, 0.90) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit, p = 0.37).

CONCLUSION

Our score accurately stratifies patient risk of pathologic pneumatosis. This score has the potential to target high-risk individuals for expedient operation and spare low-risk individuals invasive interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Study, Level III.
First-order evolution equations with dynamic boundary conditions
Authors: Binz Tim , Engel Klaus-Jochen
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we introduce a general framework to study linear first-order evolution equations on a Banach space
X
with dynamic boundary conditions, that is with boundary conditions containing time derivatives. Our method is based on the existence of an abstract Dirichlet operator and yields finally to equivalent systems of two simpler independent equations. In particular, we are led to an abstract Cauchy problem governed by an abstract Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator on the boundary space ∂
X
. Our approach is illustrated by several examples and various generalizations are indicated.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Semigroup applications everywhere’.
Functional genomics reveals the toxin–antitoxin repertoire and AbiE activity in Serratia
Authors: Hampton Hannah G. , Smith Leah M. , Ferguson Shaun , Meaden Sean , Jackson Simon A. , Fineran Peter C.
Published: October 2020

Bacteriophage defences are divided into innate and adaptive systems.

Serratia

sp. ATCC 39006 has three CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems, but its innate immune repertoire is unknown. Here, we re-sequenced and annotated the

Serratia

genome and predicted its toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems. TA systems can provide innate phage defence through abortive infection by causing infected cells to ‘shut down’, limiting phage propagation. To assess TA system function on a genome-wide scale, we utilized transposon insertion and RNA sequencing. Of the 32 TA systems predicted bioinformatically, 4 resembled pseudogenes and 11 were demonstrated to be functional based on transposon mutagenesis. Three functional systems belonged to the poorly characterized but widespread, AbiE, abortive infection/TA family. AbiE is a type IV TA system with a predicted nucleotidyltransferase toxin. To investigate the mode of action of this toxin, we measured the transcriptional response to AbiEii expression. We observed dysregulated levels of tRNAs and propose that the toxin targets tRNAs resulting in bacteriostasis. A recent report on a related toxin shows this occurs through addition of nucleotides to tRNA(s). This study has demonstrated the utility of functional genomics for probing TA function in a high-throughput manner, defined the TA repertoire in

Serratia

and shown the consequences of AbiE induction.
Dihydro-alpha-lipoic acid binds to human serum albumin at Sudlow I binding site
Authors: Gligorijević Nikola , Šukalović Vladimir , Miljuš Goran , Nedić Olgica , Penezić Ana
Published: October 2020

Binding of dihydro-alpha-lipoic acid (DHLA) to human serum albumin (HSA) was characterised in detail in this study. Binding process was monitored by spectroscopic methods and molecular docking approach. HSA binds DHLA with moderate affinity, 0.80 ± 0.007 × 104M−1. Spectroscopic data demonstrated that the preferential binding site for DHLA on HSA is IIA (Sudlow I). Hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions were identified as the key binding interactions. DHLA binding thermally stabilized HSA, yet it had no effect on HSA structure and its susceptibility to trypsin digestion. Molecular docking confirmed that Sudlow I site accommodated DHLA in a certain conformation in order for binding to occur. Molecular dynamic simulation showed that formed complex is stable. Reported results offer future perspectives for investigations regarding the use of DHLA as a dietary intervention but also raise concerns about the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid and DHLA in treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Place cells in head-fixed mice navigating a floating real-world environment
Authors: Go Mary Ann , Rogers Jake , Gava Giuseppe P. , Davey Catherine , Prado Seigfred , Liu Yu , Schultz Simon R.
Published: October 2020

The hippocampal place cell system in rodents has provided a major paradigm for the scientific investigation of memory function and dysfunction. Place cells have been observed in area CA1 of the hippocampus of both freely moving animals, and of head-fixed animals navigating in virtual reality environments. However, spatial coding in virtual reality preparations has been observed to be impaired. Here we show that the use of a real-world environment system for head-fixed mice, consisting of a track floating on air, provides some advantages over virtual reality systems for the study of spatial memory. We imaged the hippocampus of head-fixed mice injected with the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s while they navigated circularly constrained or open environments on the floating platform. We observed consistent place tuning in a substantial fraction of cells with place fields remapping when animals entered a different environment. When animals re-entered the same environment, place fields typically remapped over a time period of multiple days, faster than in freely moving preparations, but comparable with virtual reality. Spatial information rates were within the range observed in freely moving mice. Manifold analysis indicated that spatial information could be extracted from a low-dimensional subspace of the neural population dynamics. This is the first demonstration of place cells in head-fixed mice navigating on an air-lifted real-world platform, validating its use for the study of brain circuits involved in memory and affected by neurodegenerative disorders.
The Brain Knows enough to take into account Light and Shadow
Authors: Yamamoto Masahiro , Shimojo Shinsuke
Published: October 2020

Visual perception requires to infer object and light source color to maintain constancy. This study demonstrates the influences of environmental sunlight color trajectory (blue-white-yellow-red), and associated color of scattered light in shadows on color perception. In Adelson’s checkerboard shadow illusion, squares of equal luminance appear lighter or darker depending on whether they are inside or outside a cast shadow1. In some color variations, illusion magnitude is attenuated by specific colors of the cast shadow. Particularly in the green monotone environment (green checkerboard under green ambient and diffusion light), illusion magnitude reduces down nearly to zero. In contrast, shading by structure is not affected by the color environment. Thus, the cast shadow and shading by structure have distinct effects on surface color constancy. This illusion attenuation may be related to the absence of green in the natural environmental light spectrum, including in cast shadows. The brain may utilize the implicit learned trajectory of natural light to resolve ambiguity in surface reflectance. Our results provide a new formula not only to understand, but also to generate new variations of other illusions such as #The Dress.
Crystal structures of salts of bedaquiline
Authors: Okezue Mercy , Smith Daniel , Zeller Matthias , Byrn Stephen R. , Smith Pamela , Bogandowich-Knipp Susan , Purcell Dale K. , Clase Kari L.
Published: October 2020

Bedaquiline [systematic name: 1-(6-bromo-2-methoxyquinolin-3-yl)-4-(dimethylamino)-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1-phenylbutan-2-ol, C32H31BrN2O2] is one of two important new drugs for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). It is marketed in the US as its fumarate salt {systematic name: [4-(6-bromo-2-methoxyquinolin-3-yl)-3-hydroxy-3-(naphthalen-1-yl)-4-phenylbutyl]dimethylazanium 3-carboxyprop-2-enoate, C32H32BrN2O2
+·C4H3O4
−}, and about a dozen other salts of bedaquiline have been described in patent literature, but none have so far been structurally described. In a first communication, we present the crystal structure of bedaquilinium fumarate and of two new benzoate salts, as well as that of a degradation product of the reaction of bedaquilinium fumarate with sodium ethoxide, 3-benzyl-6-bromo-2-methoxyquinoline, C17H14BrNO. The fumarate and benzoate salts both feature cations monoprotonated at the dimethylamino group. The much less basic quinoline N atom remains unprotonated. Both salts feature a 1:1 cation-to-anion ratio, with the fumarate being present as monoanionic hydrofumarate. The conformations of the cations are compared to that of free base bedaquiline and with each other. The flexible backbone of the bedaquiline structure leads to a landscape of conformations with little commonalities between the bedaquiline entities in the various structures. The conformations are distinctively different for the two independent molecules of the free base, the two independent molecules of the hydrofumarate salt, and the one unique cation of the benzoate salt. Packing of the salts is dominated by hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen-bonding motifs, as well as the larger hydrogen-bonded entities within the salts, are quite similar for the salts, despite the vastly differing conformations of the cations, and both the hydrofumarate and the benzoate structure feature chains of hydrogen-bonded anions that are surrounded by and hydrogen bonded to the larger bedaquilinium cations, leading to infinite broad ribbons of anions, cations, and (for the benzoate salt) water molecules. The benzoate salt was isolated in two forms: as a 1.17-hydrate (C32H32BrN2O2
+·C7H5O2
−·1.166H2O), obtained from acetone or propanol solution, with one fully occupied water molecule tightly integrated into the hydrogen-bonding network of anions and cations, and one partially occupied water molecule [refined occupancy 16.6 (7)%], only loosely hydrogen bonded to the quinoline N atom. The second form is an acetonitrile solvate (C32H32BrN2O2
+·C7H5O2
−·0.742CH3CN·H2O), in which the partially occupied water molecule is replaced by a 74.2 (7)%-occupied acetonitrile molecule. The partial occupancy induces disorder for the benzoate phenyl ring. The acetonitrile solvate is unstable in atmosphere and converts into a form not distinguishable by powder XRD from the 1.17-hydrate.
Similarity isometries of point packings
Authors: Arias Jeanine Concepcion H. , Loquias Manuel Joseph C.
Published: October 2020

A linear isometryRof {\bb R}^{d} is called a similarity isometry of a lattice \Gamma\subseteq{\bb R}^{d} if there exists a positive real number β such that βRΓ is a sublattice of (finite index in) Γ. The set βRΓ is referred to as a similar sublattice of Γ. A (crystallographic) point packing generated by a lattice Γ is a union of Γ with finitely many shifted copies of Γ. In this study, the notion of similarity isometries is extended to point packings. A characterization for the similarity isometries of point packings is provided and the corresponding similar subpackings are identified. Planar examples are discussed, namely the 1 × 2 rectangular lattice and the hexagonal packing (or honeycomb lattice). Finally, similarity isometries of point packings about points different from the origin are considered by studying similarity isometries of shifted point packings. In particular, similarity isometries of a certain shifted hexagonal packing are computed and compared with those of the hexagonal packing.
Relationship meaningfulness and social loafing in Mexican workers
Authors: Hernandez-Pozas Olivia
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper examines social loafing (SL) in Mexican workers, introducing relationship meaningfulness (RM) and revisiting the impact of expectation on co-workers (ECW) and task meaningfulness (TM) on SL.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study used 697 questionnaires reporting results on descriptive statistics, correlations and the analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

Results indicated that ECW, RM and SL are negatively related and there is no significant relationship between TM and SL for the Mexican sample.

Research limitations/implications

This paper links three relevant fields: SL, work meaningfulness (WM) and Latin American management and expands workplace theories of effort by adding RM and demonstrating this negatively relates to SL. Also, by showing RM may be more relevant than TM on reducing SL in Mexican workers.

Practical implications

This paper assists in the control for conditions that can cause SL and helps to devise interventions that motivate Mexican workers.

Originality/value

Novelty resides in the inclusion of RM as a new variable in SL studies. Also, in showing how RM fits better than TM as means to motivate Mexican workers, connecting with WM. Finally, proving relevance of examining co-workers and not only supervisors' evaluations.
Internalization of quality in public organizations
Authors: Tarí Juan José , Molina-Azorín José F. , Pereira-Moliner Jorge , López-Gamero María D.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the relationships between: (1) motives for internalization of a quality system, (2) the internalization of a quality system and (3) customer results, employee results and social results in public organizations by means of replication research

Design/methodology/approach

First, the work applies a quantitative study to test hypotheses using structural equations based on the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach. Then, a qualitative study is carried out to support the quantitative results obtained

Findings

Results show that internal and external motives affect internalization, and that the most important issues for internalization are commitment, communication, training, recognition and follow-up. In addition, continuous improvement is key in order to enhance customer results, employee results and social results

Originality/value

The contribution of this work is that it provides empirical support to prior research on internalization focused on manufacturing and service organizations, and extends these results to the case of public organizations
A literature review of DEA efficiency methodology in defence sector
Authors: Solana Ibáñez José , Caravaca Garratón Manuel , Soto Meca Antonio
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The improvement in the efficiency of public management leads to an increase in the quality of services, boosting confidence in institutions and thus generating a multiplier effect. This paper aims to update the literature on the data envelopment analysis (DEA), which uses a frontier methodology, for measuring the efficiency applied to the defence sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Two main research areas are related through this study: Defence Economics and Efficiency and Productivity Analysis. The frontier methods for measuring technical efficiency are grouped into parametric, non-parametric and semi-parametric. The DEA literature review in the selected sector allows to identify three main fields of work that are discussed in detail.

Findings

Existing empirical research has hardly applied bootstrapping methods to remove bias from the estimates. No empirical work has applied an analysis of efficiency determinants by the inclusion of exogenous variables.

Originality/value

The managerial implications of efficiency are numerous. A line of research is proposed to examine the extent to which efficiency improvements have an impact on reputation and, therefore, on the image of and confidence in institutions. The link between Defence Economics and Corruption Economics is also considered.
Dhruva Advisors: Culture as North Star of Growth
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Gupta Parvinder
Published: October 2020

The case describes the first four years of Dhruva, a tax advisory firm set up by Dinesh Kanabar, ex-Deputy CEO of KPMG. Dinesh and other founding partners had worked with the Big-4 firms and were familiar with some of the tensions in the overall ecosystem of Professional Services Firms. Dinesh wanted to build a distinctive professional service firm driven by values of cooperation, high quality work, transparency and stewardship. Very early in its journey, Dhruva's founding team decided that they would use organizational culture as the North Star for guiding decisions related to growth, internal organization design and even admission of new members including Partners. The first four years turned out to be highly successful for the firm. Since inception, it was ranked as Tier-1 firm in the tax advisory space. It was apparent that the firm had succeeded in building a model of alternate organizational paradigm for professional service firms. The next challenge was to test the scalability of this model as the firm embarked on an ambitious growth journey.
Recruiting passionate job seekers for better performance
Authors: David Jannifer Gregory
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This research examines how job seekers' levels of harmonious work passion (HWP) and obsessive work passion (OWP) affect the importance job seekers place upon job and organizational elements in recruiting messages.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees who had recently completed job searches read multiple recruiting messages and ranked the importance of different elements in the messages.

Findings

General linear modeling found statistical differences between the importance of recruiting message elements for participants with varying levels of HWP and OWP.

Research limitations/implications

The participants were information technology, engineering and human resource professionals limiting the generalizability of these results to other professions.

Practical implications

Recruiters should vary the information in their recruiting messages depending on the levels of HWP and OWP they want to attract to their applicant pools.

Originality/value

This research adds harmonious and obsessive work passion to the constructs considered in the recruiting message development process.
4D BIM models for smart utility relocation management in urban infrastructure projects
Authors: Vilventhan Aneetha , Razin Sanu , Rajadurai R.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The relocation of existing underground utilities in urban environments is complex because of the existence of multiple utility agencies being responsible for numerous utilities and over constrained space and time to execute maintenance works. Unfamiliar location and insufficient records of maintenance data hamper the flow of work, causing unnecessary delays and conflicts. The aim of the paper is to explore 4 dimensional Building Information Modeling as a smart solution for the management of multiple utility data for a relocation project in an urban setting.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical case-based research methodology is used to collect data and develop the BIM models. Two ongoing construction projects in an urban city are empirically studied, and 4D BIM models of identified utilities are developed to assist management and relocation of existing utilities.

Findings

The developed BIM models enabled the location of existing sub-surface utilities through 3D visualization and also enabled clash detection. The 4D simulation of BIM model enabled the tracking of actual progress of relocation works and thereby helped in taking necessary actions to minimize forthcoming delays. The evaluation of the developed model showed that the application of 4D BIM improved communication and coordination during utility relocation works.

Practical implications

4D BIM for utility infrastructure provides better management of utility information. They provide utility stakeholders an efficient way to coordinate, manage utility relocation processes through improved visualization and communication with a reduction in delays and conflicts.

Originality/value

Limited efforts were made using 3D BIM for sub-surface utility infrastructure in visualization and management of utility information. Efforts using 4D BIM in coordination and management of utility projects are left unexplored. This study adds value to the current literature through the application of 4D BIM for utility relocation projects.
Mobile application based speech and voice analysis for COVID-19 detection using computational audit techniques
Authors: S.M. Udhaya Sankar , R. Ganesan , Katiravan Jeevaa , M. Ramakrishnan , R. Ruhin Kouser
Published: October 2020

Purpose

It has been six months from the time the first case was registered, and nations are still working on counter steering regulations. The proposed model in the paper encompasses a novel methodology to equip systems with artificial intelligence and computational audition techniques over voice recognition for detecting the symptoms. Regular and irregular speech/voice patterns are recognized using in-built tools and devices on a hand-held device. Phenomenal patterns can be contextually varied among normal and presence of asymptotic symptoms.

Design/methodology/approach

The lives of patients and healthy beings are seriously affected with various precautionary measures and social distancing. The spread of virus infection is mitigated with necessary actions by governments and nations. Resulting in increased death ratio, the novel coronavirus is certainly a serious pandemic which spreads with unhygienic practices and contact with air-borne droplets of infected patients. With minimal measures to detect the symptoms from the early onset and the rise of asymptotic outcomes, coronavirus becomes even difficult for detection and diagnosis.

Findings

A number of significant parameters are considered for the analysis, and they are dry cough, wet cough, sneezing, speech under a blocked nose or cold, sleeplessness, pain in chests, eating behaviours and other potential cases of the disease. Risk- and symptom-based measurements are imposed to deliver a symptom subsiding diagnosis plan. Monitoring and tracking down the symptoms inflicted areas, social distancing and its outcomes, treatments, planning and delivery of healthy food intake, immunity improvement measures are other areas of potential guidelines to mitigate the disease.

Originality/value

This paper also lists the challenges in actual scenarios for a solution to work satisfactorily. Emphasizing on the early detection of symptoms, this work highlights the importance of such a mechanism in the absence of medication or vaccine and demand for large-scale screening. A mobile and ubiquitous application is definitely a useful measure of alerting the officials to take necessary actions by eliminating the expensive modes of tests and medical investigations.
How do weather factors drive online reviews? The mediating role of online reviewers’ affect
Authors: He Dandan , Yao Zhong , Zhao Futao , Feng Jiao
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effect of online reviewers' affect (ORA) on the relationship between weather and online review ratings (ORR).

Design/methodology/approach

The consumers' online review data were collected from the third-party restaurant website, and the weather data were obtained from the weather part of Chinese e-government website. SnowNLP was utilized to analyze sentiment and further extract ORA. Furthermore, the mediating effects of ORA on temperature and ORR, rain and ORR were explored separately using PROCESS 3 Macro Model 4, and the interaction effect of temperature and rain was tested through PROCESS 3 Macro Model 7.

Findings

The findings of this work demonstrate that ORA mediates the relationship between temperature and ORR and the relationship between rain and ORR. Besides directly leading to higher ORR, a higher temperature can bring about higher ORR by elevating ORA. On the other hand, little rain and heavy rain have a direct negative influence on ORR, and they can also lead people into a bad mood state, thus leading to lower ORR. Furthermore, temperature moderates the effect of rain on ORA. When the temperature is higher, the differences of ORA are larger between different types of rain than that of lower temperature.

Originality/value

This study appears to be the first to investigate the relationship among weather, ORA and ORR using online data. The results could help managers understand when consumers are more likely to provide negative eWOM under corresponding weather conditions and adopt appropriate strategies to improve ORR.