bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and black fungus in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis without severe lymphocytopenia
Authors: de Regt Marieke J. A. , Murk Jean-Luc , Schneider-Hohendorf Tilman , Wattjes Mike P. , Hoepelman Andy I. M. , Arends Joop E.
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating brain infection caused by JC polyomavirus (JCV), primarily seen in patients with severely compromised cellular immunity. Clinical presentation varies depending on the affected white matter. PML prognosis is variable and effective treatments are lacking.

Case presentation:

A 75-year-old Chinese woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis, treated with low-dose methotrexate and prednisolone for 2.5 years, developed a Pleurostomophora richardsiae infection of her left arm. After 6 months of treating this rare black fungus infection with voriconazole, surgery and immunosuppression discontinuation, she presented with progressive afebrile encephalopathy with right-sided hemiparesis. There were no signs of inflammation or metabolic abnormalities. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse frontal white matter lesions and a cerebrospinal fluid PCR confirmed PML due to JC virus. Severe lymphopenia was never present, and at PML diagnosis, CD4 and CD8 T-cell counts were 454 mm−3 and 277 mm−3. CD8 T-cells were able to respond to JCV VP1 peptide stimulation with TNFα secretion. Peripheral B-cell count was only 8 mm−3. Mirtazapine and Maraviroc were started, but unfortunately, she rapidly deteriorated and died 5 weeks after PML diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Although peripheral lymphocyte counts were never low and CD4 T-cell count was close to normal, the persistent black fungus infection was a hallmark of severely compromised cellular immunity. The unexpected extremely low absolute B-cell count might suggest a protective role for B-cells. The paradoxical, clinical PML onset months after immunosuppressive discontinuation suggests that it was only discovered in the context of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
Extensive genetic differentiation between homomorphic sex chromosomes in the mosquito vector,Aedes aegypti
Authors: Fontaine Albin , Filipović Igor , Fansiri Thanyalak , Hoffmann Ary A. , Cheng Changde , Kirkpatrick Mark , Rašić Gordana , Lambrechts Louis
Published: June 2016

Mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of sex-determination systems are of particular interest in insect vectors of human pathogens like mosquitoes because novel control strategies aim to convert pathogen-transmitting females into non-biting males, or rely on accurate sexing for the release of sterile males. InAedes aegypti,the main vector of dengue and Zika viruses, sex determination is governed by a dominant male-determining locus, previously thought to reside within a small, non-recombining, sex-determining region (SDR) of an otherwise homomorphic sex chromosome. Here, we provide evidence that sex chromosomes inAe. aegyptiare genetically differentiated between males and females over a region much larger than the SDR. Our linkage mapping intercrosses failed to detect recombination between X and Y chromosomes over a 123-Mbp region (40% of their physical length) containing the SDR. This region of reduced male recombination overlapped with a smaller 63-Mbp region (20% of the physical length of the sex chromosomes) displaying high male-female genetic differentiation in unrelated wild population from Brazil and Australia and in a reference laboratory strain originating from Africa. In addition, the sex-differentiated genomic region was associated with a significant excess of male-to-female heterozygosity and contained a small cluster of loci consistent with Y-specific null alleles. We demonstrate that genetic differentiation between sex chromosomes is sufficient to assign individuals to their correct sex with high accuracy. We also show how data on allele frequency differences between sexes can be used to estimate linkage disequilibrium between loci and the sex-determining locus. Our discovery of large-scale genetic differentiation between sex chromosomes inAe. aegyptilays a new foundation for mapping and population genomic studies, as well as for mosquito control strategies targeting the sex-determination pathway.
Crystal structure of a thiolase fromEscherichia coliat 1.8 Å resolution
Authors: Ithayaraja M. , Janardan N. , Wierenga Rik K. , Savithri H. S. , Murthy M. R. N.
Published: June 2016

Thiolases catalyze the Claisen condensation of two acetyl-CoA molecules to give acetoacetyl-CoA, as well as the reverse degradative reaction. Four genes coding for thiolases or thiolase-like proteins are found in theEscherichia coligenome. In this communication, the successful cloning, purification, crystallization and structure determination at 1.8 Å resolution of a homotetramericE. colithiolase are reported. The structure ofE. colithiolase co-crystallized with acetyl-CoA at 1.9 Å resolution is also reported. As observed in other tetrameric thiolases, the presentE. colithiolase is a dimer of two tight dimers and probably functions as a biodegradative enzyme. Comparison of the structure and biochemical properties of theE. colienzyme with those of other well studied thiolases reveals certain novel features of this enzyme, such as the modification of a lysine in the dimeric interface, the possible oxidation of the catalytic Cys88 in the structure of the enzyme obtained in the presence of CoA and active-site hydration. The tetrameric enzyme also displays an interesting departure from exact 222 symmetry, which is probably related to the deformation of the tetramerization domain that stabilizes the oligomeric structure of the protein. The current study allows the identification of substrate-binding amino-acid residues and water networks at the active site and provides the structural framework required for understanding the biochemical properties as well as the physiological function of thisE. colithiolase.
Crystal structure of truncated aspartate transcarbamoylase fromPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Lunev Sergey , Bosch Soraya S. , Batista Fernando de Assis , Wrenger Carsten , Groves Matthew R.
Published: June 2016

Thede novopyrimidine-biosynthesis pathway ofPlasmodium falciparumis a promising target for antimalarial drug discovery. The parasite requires a supply of purines and pyrimidines for growth and proliferation and is unable to take up pyrimidines from the host. Direct (or indirect) inhibition ofde novopyrimidine biosynthesisviadihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH), the fourth enzyme of the pathway, has already been shown to be lethal to the parasite. In the second step of the plasmodial pyrimidine-synthesis pathway, aspartate and carbamoyl phosphate are condensed toN-carbamoyl-L-aspartate and inorganic phosphate by aspartate transcarbamoylase (PfATC). In this paper, the 2.5 Å resolution crystal structure ofPfATC is reported. The space group of thePfATC crystals was determined to be monoclinicP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 87.0,b= 103.8,c= 87.1 Å, α = 90.0, β = 117.7, γ = 90.0°. The presentedPfATC model shares a high degree of homology with the catalytic domain ofEscherichia coliATC. There is as yet no evidence of the existence of a regulatory domain inPfATC. Similarly toE. coliATC,PfATC was modelled as a homotrimer in which each of the three active sites is formed at the oligomeric interface. Each active site comprises residues from two adjacent subunits in the trimer with a high degree of evolutional conservation. Here, the activity loss owing to mutagenesis of the key active-site residues is also described.
Fault tree analysis method for deterioration of timber bridges using an Australian case study
Authors: Lokuge Weena , Gamage Nirdosha , Setunge Sujeeva
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Deterioration of timber bridges can often be related to a number of deficiencies in the bridge elements, connectors and/or as a result of been in aggressive environments which they are exposed to. The maintenance cost of timber bridges is affected significantly by a number of deterioration mechanisms which require a systematic approach for diagnosis and treatment. Evaluating the risk of failure of these bridges is of importance in bridge performance assessment and decision making to optimize rehabilitation options. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper identifies common causes for timber bridge deterioration and demonstrates an integrated approach based on fault tree analysis to obtain qualitative or quantitative estimation of the risk of failure of timber bridge sub-systems. Level 2 inspection report for a timber bridge in Queensland, Australia has been utilized as a case study in this research to identify the failure modes of the bridge.

Findings

– A diagnostic tool for timber bridge deterioration will benefit asset inspectors, managers, and engineers to identify the type, size and the distress mechanisms in order to recognize the proper corrective measures either to prevent or to reduce further deterioration. Timber bridge maintenance is a major issue in Queensland, Australia. If a decision support tool can be developed, it will benefit road authorities and local councils.

Originality/value

– Timber bridge maintenance is a major issue in Queensland, Australia. If a decision support tool can be developed as initiated in this research paper it will benefit road authorities and local councils.
Assessing information security attitudes: a comparison of two studies
Authors: Pattinson Malcolm , Parsons Kathryn , Butavicius Marcus , McCormac Agata , Calic Dragana
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of two studies that assessed the attitudes of typical computer users. The aim of the research was to compare a self-reporting online survey with a set of one-on-one repertory grid technique interviews. More specifically, this research focussed on participant attitudes toward naive and accidental information security behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first study, 23 university students responded to an online survey within a university laboratory setting that captured their attitudes toward behaviours in each of seven focus areas. In the second study, the same students participated in a one-on-one repertory grid technique interview that elicited their attitudes toward the same seven behaviours. Results were analysed using Spearman correlations.

Findings

There were significant correlations for three of the seven behaviours, although attitudes relating to password management, use of social networking sites, information handling and reporting of security incidents were not significantly correlated.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size (n = 23) and the fact that participants were not necessarily representative of typical employees, may have impacted on the results.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the challenge of developing a reliable instrument that will assess individual InfoSec awareness. Senior management will be better placed to design intervention strategies, such as training and education of employees, if individual attitudes are known. This, in turn, will reduce risk-inclined behaviour and a more secure organisation.

Originality/value

The literature review indicates that this study addresses a genuine gap in the research.
The formation of germ cell for organizational learning
Authors: Ivaldi Silvia , Scaratti Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to analyze the process of “germ cell” formation by framing it as an opportunity for promoting organizational learning and transformation. The paper aims to specifically answer two research questions: Why does the “germ cell” have a pivotal role in organization’s transformation? and Which conditions facilitate the formation of the “germ cell” in the management of complex and uncertain problems?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper answers the research questions first by presenting the literature related to knowing and learning inside organizations, and second by introducing the concept of “germ cell” and connecting it with the metaphors of “waiting experiment” and “anchoring forward”. Finally, the paper analyzes the steps by which the “germ cell” is shaped, thus owing to the exploration of problematic situations, underpinning the “germ cell’s ” role to open perspectives for multiple applications and development. Two research interventions are presented by focusing on the construction of the “germ cell” moving from the problematic situations to promote organizational learning and change.

Findings

The paper describes the formation of the “germ cell” as a process that opens possibilities for subjects to recognize and reflect on the recurrent and taken-for-granted practices and concepts and give sense to them by making the inner contradiction and the ways for managing it visible.

Originality/value

The unfolding and challenging inceptive configuration of the germ cell sheds light on the discursive/conversational/language processes and the activities entangled in socio-material instrumentalities and environments in which people are involved.
Sensitivity analysis and application of time‐lapse full‐waveform inversion: synthetic testing and field data example from the North Sea, Norway
Authors: Balhareth Hadi , Landrø Martin
Published: June 2016

Time‐lapse refraction can provide complementary seismic solutions for monitoring subtle subsurface changes that are challenging for conventional P‐wave reflection methods. The utilization of refraction time lapse has lagged behind in the past partly due to the lack of robust techniques that allow extracting easy‐to‐interpret reservoir information. However, with the recent emergence of the full‐waveform inversion technique as a more standard tool, we find it to be a promising platform for incorporating head waves and diving waves into the time‐lapse framework. Here we investigate the sensitivity of 2D acoustic, time‐domain, full‐waveform inversion for monitoring a shallow, weak velocity change (−30 m/s, or −1.6%). The sensitivity tests are designed to address questions related to the feasibility and accuracy of full‐waveform inversion results for monitoring the field case of an underground gas blowout that occurred in the North Sea. The blowout caused the gas to migrate both vertically and horizontally into several shallow sand layers. Some of the shallow gas anomalies were not clearly detected by conventional 4D reflection methods (i.e., time shifts and amplitude difference) due to low 4D signal‐to‐noise ratio and weak velocity change. On the other hand, full‐waveform inversion sensitivity analysis showed that it is possible to detect the weak velocity change with the non‐optimal seismic input. Detectability was qualitative with variable degrees of accuracy depending on different inversion parameters. We inverted, the real 2D seismic data from the North Sea with a greater emphasis on refracted and diving waves’ energy (i.e., most of the reflected energy was removed for the shallow zone of interest after removing traces with offset less than 300 m). The full‐waveform inversion results provided more superior detectability compared with the conventional 4D stacked reflection difference method for a weak shallow gas anomaly (320 m deep).
Fighting MRSA Infections in Hospital Care: How Organizational Factors Matter
Authors: Salge Torsten Oliver , Vera Antonio , Antons David , Cimiotti Jeannie P.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To identify factors associated with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections at the level of the hospital organization.

Data Sources

Data from all 173 acute trusts in the English National Health Service (NHS).

Study Design

A longitudinal study based on trust‐level panel data for the 5‐year period from April 2004 to March 2009. Fixed effects negative binominal and system generalized method of moment models were used to examine the effect of (i) patient mix characteristics, (ii) resource endowments, and (iii) infection control practices on yearly MRSA counts.

Data Collection

Archival and staff survey data from multiple sources, including Public Health England, the English Department of Health, and the Healthcare Commission, were merged to form a balanced panel dataset.

Principal Findings

MRSA infections decrease with increases in general cleaning (−3.52 MRSA incidents per 1 standard deviation increase; 95 percent confidence interval: −6.61 to −0.44), infection control training (−3.29; −5.22 to −1.36), hand hygiene (−2.72; −4.76 to −0.68), and error reporting climate (−2.06; −4.09 to −0.04).

Conclusions

Intensified general cleaning, improved hand hygiene, additional infection control training, and a climate conducive to error reporting emerged as the factors most closely associated with trust‐level reductions in MRSA infections over time.
Measurement of Uncertainty for Aqueous Ethanol Wet‐Bath Simulator Solutions Used with Evidential Breath Testing Instruments
Authors: Hwang Rong‐Jen , Beltran Jada , Rogers Craig , Barlow Jeremy , Razatos Gerasimos
Published: June 2016

Aqueous ethanol wet‐bath simulator solutions are used to perform calibration adjustments, calibration checks, proficiency testing, and inspection of breath alcohol instruments. The Toxicology Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Health has conducted a study to estimate a measurement of uncertainty for the preparation and testing of these wet‐bath simulator solutions. The measurand is identified as the mass concentration of ethanol (g/100 mL) determined through dual capillary column headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector analysis. Three groups were used in the estimation of the aqueous ethanol wet‐bath simulator solutions uncertainty: GC calibration adjustment, GC analytical, and certified reference material. The standard uncertainties for these uncertainty sources were combined using the method of root‐sum‐squares to give uc = 0.8598%. The combined standard uncertainty was expanded to U = 1.7% to reflect a confidence level of 95% using a coverage factor of 2. This estimation applies to all aqueous ethanol wet‐bath simulator solution concentrations produced by this laboratory.
Improving Luminol Blood Detection in Forensics
Authors: Stoica Bogdan A. , Bunescu Sabina , Neamtu Andrei , Bulgaru‐Iliescu Diana , Foia Liliana , Botnariu Eosefina Gina
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to develop chemical improvements to the original Weber protocol, in order to increase the intensity and time length of light emission and to eliminate false‐positive reactions. The intensity and duration of light were measured on serial blood dilutions using a plate reader chemiluminometer. Blood stains of various concentrations were impregnated in pure cellulose, dried, and luminol solution was added with/without the potential enhancers. An in silico study was also conducted, aiming to demonstrate the enhancing mechanism of hemoglobin denaturation using 8 M urea. The luminol blood detection test revealed important improvements after urea pretreatment or in the presence of monochloro‐triazinyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. This approach also eliminated the false‐positive reaction from sodium hypochlorite. These improvements could provide a higher sensitivity under particular circumstances such as old or washed blood stains, leading to a better localization for further DNA typing and higher quality photographic analysis.
Population structuring of the ubiquitous stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula in southern Brazil as revealed by microsatellite and mitochondrial markers
Authors: Francisco Flávio O. , Santiago Leandro R. , Mizusawa Yuri M. , Oldroyd Benjamin P. , Arias Maria C.
Published: June 2016

Tetragonisca angustula is one of the most widespread stingless bees in the Neotropics. This species swarms frequently and is extremely successful in urban environments. In addition, it is one of the most popular stingless bee species for beekeeping in Latin America, so nest transportation and trading is common. Nest transportation can change the genetic structure of the host population, reducing inbreeding and increasing homogenization. Here, we evaluate the genetic structure of 17 geographic populations of T. angustula in southern Brazil to quantify the level of genetic differentiation between populations. Analyses were conducted on partially sequenced mitochondrial genes and 11 microsatellite loci of 1002 workers from 457 sites distributed on the mainland and on 3 islands. Our results show that T. angustula populations are highly differentiated as demonstrated by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers. Of 73 haplotypes, 67 were population‐specific. MtDNA diversity was low in 9 populations but microsatellite diversity was moderate to high in all populations. Microsatellite data suggest 10 genetic clusters and low level of gene flow throughout the studied area. However, physical barriers, such as rivers and mountain ranges, or the presence or absence of forest appear to be unrelated to population clusters. Factors such as low dispersal, different ecological conditions, and isolation by distance are most likely shaping the population structure of this species. Thus far, nest transportation has not influenced the general population structure in the studied area. However, due to the genetic structure we found, we recommend that nest transportation should only occur within and between populations that are genetically similar.
Probing behavior of aposymbiotic green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) on susceptible Solanum tuberosum and resistant Solanum stoloniferum plants
Authors: Machado‐Assefh Cristina Renata , Alvarez Adriana Elisabet
Published: June 2016

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the potato important pests; it is the most efficient vector of potato viruses. Myzus persicae harbors the endosymbiotic bacteria Buchnera aphidicola which supplements their diet. There is increasing evidence that B. aphidicola is involved in plant–aphid interactions and we previously demonstrated that B. aphidicola disruption (aposymbiosis) affected the probing behavior of M. persicae on radish plants, delaying host plant acceptance. In this work, we evaluated the effect of aposymbiosis on the probing behavior of M. persicae on 2 Solanum species with different compatibility with M. persicae, Solanum tuberosum (susceptible) and Solanum stoloniferum (resistant) with the electrical penetration graph technique (EPG). To disrupt B. aphidicola, rifampicin was administered to aphids through artificial diets. Aposymbiotic aphids, on both plant species, showed increased pathway activities, mechanical problems with the stylets, and delayed salivation in the phloem. The extended time in derailed stylet mechanics affected the occurrence of most other probing activities; it delayed the time to the first phloem phase and prevented ingestion from the phloem. The effect of aposymbiosis was more evident in the compatible interaction of M. persicae–S. tuberosum, than in the incompatible interaction with S. stoloniferum, which generated the M. persicae–S. tuberosum interaction to become incompatible. These results confirm that B. aphidicola is involved in the plant–aphid interaction in relation to plant acceptance, presumably through a role in stylets penetration in the plant.
Small RNAs expressed during dimethylsulfoniopropionate degradation by a model marine bacterium
Authors: Burns Andrew S. , Bullock Hannah A. , Smith Christa , Huang Qiuyuan , Whitman William B. , Moran Mary Ann
Published: June 2016

The fate of the sulfur moiety of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) depends on the ‘bacterial switch’, a regulatory point between two metabolic pathways with different biogeochemical endpoints. Studies have focused on transcriptional patterns of known genes to determine physiological and environmental factors affecting this switch, but post‐transcriptional regulation has been under‐studied. Here we use a model bacterium containing both pathways to look for transcription of non‐coding regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) during DMSP metabolism. RNA‐seq analysis of Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS‐3 grown with DMSP, metabolic intermediates of DMSP degradation (MMPA or acetate), or methionine revealed 182 putative sRNAs, with 46 showing differential expression during growth on DMSP. A knockout mutant constructed for an upregulated sRNA had a phenotype that differed in its use of the two degradation pathways. Because transcription patterns of many differentially expressed sRNAs were not correlated with the transcription of their putative target gene, their effects on DMSP degradation would not be observable in the transcriptome. Overall, our results indicate that sRNAs are crucial but largely cryptic actors in regulating DMSP metabolism in this model marine bacterium and potentially other bacterial groups involved in the surface ocean sulfur cycle.
Effect of chickpea husk dietary supplementation on blood and cecal parameters in rats
Authors: Myint Htun , Kishi Hiroyuki , Koike Satoshi , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: June 2016

Chickpea husk was functionally evaluated for antioxidant status, blood parameters, cecal fermentation and microbial profiles in rats. Fifteen male rats (5 weeks of age) were divided into three groups; they were individually housed and fed one of the following diets for 3 weeks: purified diet containing 5% cellulose (Cellulose), an identical diet in which cellulose was replaced by corn starch (Starch) or by chickpea husk (Chick). Rats were sacrificed to obtain blood and cecal digesta samples. Chickpea husk contained high polyphenolic content and significant superoxide dismutase and 2,2‐diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging activities. In a feeding experiment, Chick showed lowered cholesterol levels and improved antioxidant activity represented by reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in blood. Chick showed increased cecal levels of total short chain fatty acids and butyrate, leading to a lower pH. Chick presented with lowered cecal indole and skatole concentrations, as did Cellulose. Cecal bacterial changes were notable in Chick, evidenced by differences in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis banding patterns. However, representative bacteria quantified by real‐time PCR assay did not support this bacterial change. These results indicate that chickpea husk feeding can improve the antioxidative status of rats through its polyphenolic components and modulate the hindgut environment by its fibrous components.
Assessment of DPOAE Test-Retest Difference Curves via Hierarchical Gaussian Processes
Authors: Bao Junshu , Hanson Timothy , McMillan Garnett P. , Knight Kristin
Published: June 2016

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing is a promising alternative to behavioral hearing tests and auditory brainstem response testing of pediatric cancer patients. The central goal of this study is to assess whether significant changes in the DPOAE frequency/emissions curve (DP-gram) occur in pediatric patients in a test-retest scenario. This is accomplished through the construction of normal reference charts, or credible regions, that DP-gram differences lie in, as well as contour probabilities that measure how abnormal (or in a certain sense rare) a test-retest difference is. A challenge is that the data were collected over varying frequencies, at different time points from baseline, and on possibly one or both ears. A hierarchical structural equation Gaussian process model is proposed to handle the different sources of correlation in the emissions measurements, wherein both subject-specific random effects and variance components governing the smoothness and variability of each child's Gaussian process are coupled together.
Legislative Efforts against Impunity in the 1979 Amnesty Debate inBrazil
Authors: SCHNEIDER ANN M.
Published: June 2016

The 1979 amnesty marked the beginning of the end of military dictatorship inBrazil. It has since been both a help and a hindrance to the transition to democracy and the implementation of mechanisms of transitional justice. Two sections of the first Article of the proposed amnesty were especially controversial. One section explicitly excluded individuals convicted of specified national security crimes and the other implicitly included state agents complicit in torture. This article looks at the efforts by legislators to alter the amnesty bill on either or both of these points. Although unsuccessful, the strategies behind and the reactions to their efforts add to our historical understanding of accountability work and the persistent problem of impunity inBrazil.
What are the challenges of multilevel governance for urban sustainability? Evidence from Ottawa and Canada's national capital region
Authors: Zeemering Eric S.
Published: June 2016

Urban sustainability is a priority for cities, challenging public administrators to coordinate action on environmental policy, economic development and social policy. Multilevel governance is now a popular theoretical framework but research must illuminate the constraints on local administrators. This case study reviews efforts of public administrators in the City of Ottawa and Canada's national capital region to implement sustainability policies with collaborative governance, but new governance relationships are constrained by traditional intergovernmental relations. Case study research illuminates the challenges of multilevel governance for local governments and provides insights on the pursuit of sustainability with environmental programs, land use, and urban and development by Crown corporations.
The PARP family: insights into functional aspects of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 in cell growth and survival
Authors: Jubin T. , Kadam A. , Jariwala M. , Bhatt S. , Sutariya S. , Gani A.R. , Gautam S. , Begum R.
Published: June 2016

PARP family members can be found spread across all domains and continue to be essential molecules from lower to higher eukaryotes. Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP‐1), newly termed ADP‐ribosyltransferase D‐type 1 (ARTD1), is a ubiquitously expressed ADP‐ribosyltransferase (ART) enzyme involved in key cellular processes such as DNA repair and cell death. This review assesses current developments in PARP‐1 biology and activation signals for PARP‐1, other than conventional DNA damage activation. Moreover, many essential functions of PARP‐1 still remain elusive. PARP‐1 is found to be involved in a myriad of cellular events via conservation of genomic integrity, chromatin dynamics and transcriptional regulation. This article briefly focuses on its other equally important overlooked functions during growth, metabolic regulation, spermatogenesis, embryogenesis, epigenetics and differentiation. Understanding the role of PARP‐1, its multidimensional regulatory mechanisms in the cell and its dysregulation resulting in diseased states, will help in harnessing its true therapeutic potential.
Pre‐transplant dialysis modality does not influence short‐ or long‐term outcome in kidney transplant recipients: analysis of paired kidneys from the same deceased donor
Authors: Dipalma Teresa , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Praga Manuel , Polanco Natalia , González Esther , Gutiérrez‐Solis Elena , Gutiérrez Eduardo , Andrés Amado
Published: June 2016

Previous studies have reported contradictory results regarding the effect of pre‐transplant dialysis modality on the outcomes after kidney transplantation (KT). To minimize the confounding effect of donor‐related variables, we performed a donor‐matched retrospective comparison of 160 patients that received only one modality of pre‐transplant dialysis (peritoneal dialysis [PD] and hemodialysis [HD] in 80 patients each) and that subsequently underwent KT at our center between January 1990 and December 2007. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between pre‐transplant dialysis modality and primary study outcomes (death‐censored graft survival and patient survival). To control for imbalances in recipient‐related baseline characteristics, we performed additional adjustments for the propensity score (PS) for receiving pre‐transplant PD (versus HD). There were no significant differences according to pre‐transplant dialysis modality in death‐censored graft survival (PS‐adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.25–1.68) or patient survival (aHR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.13–2.68). There were no differences in 10‐year graft function or in the incidence of post‐transplant complications either, except for a higher risk of lymphocele in patients undergoing PD (odds ratio: 4.31; 95% CI: 1.15–16.21). In conclusion, pre‐transplant dialysis modality in KT recipients does not impact short‐ or long‐term graft outcomes or patient survival.
Classifying Revenue Management: A Taxonomy to Assess Business Practice*
Authors: Ng Frederick , Rouse Paul , Harrison Julie
Published: June 2016

As revenue management (RM) techniques evolve there is a need to take stock of how organizations practice RM and the interactions among techniques. This would help practitioners and researchers better understand how RM practice is influenced by the business setting, including those not traditionally associated with advanced RM techniques. Also, it would facilitate investigations of which practices lead to better outcomes in different contexts. Research to date has focused on individual techniques within individual business settings, with limited attention to the range of environments in which RM practice occurs. This suggests a need for a common framework to classify and assess differences in practice. In this article, we present a taxonomy which comprises (i) seven indicators of practice and (ii) a decision tree to measure RM across diverse businesses. We test the classification system in a survey of 232 businesses. Results show the taxonomy provides a comprehensive view of RM practice, with meaningful discrimination across settings. Findings also offer insight into how practices vary across different settings. Our taxonomy contributes to future research by facilitating systematic comparisons of RM practices, the settings in which it is adopted, and its impact on performance.
Randomized trial of a dual‐hormone artificial pancreas with dosing adjustment during exercise compared with no adjustment and sensor‐augmented pump therapy
Authors: Jacobs P. G. , El Youssef J. , Reddy R. , Resalat N. , Branigan D. , Condon J. , Preiser N. , Ramsey K. , Jones M. , Edwards C. , Kuehl K. , Leitschuh J. , Rajhbeharrysingh U. , Castle J.R.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To test whether adjusting insulin and glucagon in response to exercise within a dual‐hormone artificial pancreas (AP) reduces exercise‐related hypoglycaemia.

Materials and methods

In random order, 21 adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) underwent three 22‐hour experimental sessions: AP with exercise dosing adjustment (APX); AP with no exercise dosing adjustment (APN); and sensor‐augmented pump (SAP) therapy. After an overnight stay and 2 hours after breakfast, participants exercised for 45 minutes at 60% of their maximum heart rate, with no snack given before exercise. During APX, insulin was decreased and glucagon was increased at exercise onset, while during SAP therapy, subjects could adjust dosing before exercise. The two primary outcomes were percentage of time spent in hypoglycaemia (<3.9 mmol/L) and percentage of time spent in euglycaemia (3.9‐10 mmol/L) from the start of exercise to the end of the study.

Results

The mean (95% confidence interval) times spent in hypoglycaemia (<3.9 mmol/L) after the start of exercise were 0.3% (−0.1, 0.7) for APX, 3.1% (0.8, 5.3) for APN, and 0.8% (0.1, 1.4) for SAP therapy. There was an absolute difference of 2.8% less time spent in hypoglycaemia for APX versus APN (p = .001) and 0.5% less time spent in hypoglycaemia for APX versus SAP therapy (p = .16). Mean time spent in euglycaemia was similar across the different sessions.

Conclusions

Adjusting insulin and glucagon delivery at exercise onset within a dual‐hormone AP significantly reduces hypoglycaemia compared with no adjustment and performs similarly to SAP therapy when insulin is adjusted before exercise.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycated haemoglobin and fasting glucose levels in hypertensive patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grübler M. R. , Gaksch M. , Kienreich K. , Verheyen N. , Schmid J. , ó Hartaigh B. , Richtig G. , Scharnagl H. , Meinitzer A. , Fahrleitner‐Pammer A. , März W. , Tomaschitz A. , Pilz S.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control.

Methods

The Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension Trial was a single‐centre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study conducted between 2011 and 2014 at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. We enrolled 200 people with arterial hypertension and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations <30 ng/mL. Study participants were randomized to receive either 2800 IU of vitamin D or placebo per day for 8 weeks. The present study was a post hoc analysis that incorporated an analysis of covariance (ancova) approach, while adjusting for baseline differences.

Results

A total of 185 participants [mean ± standard deviation age, 60.1 ± 11.3 years; 47% women; mean 25(OH)D 21.2 ± 5.6 ng/mL, mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 44.8 ± 11.8 mmol/mol and mean body mass index 30.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2] completed the trial. ancova showed a mean treatment effect [95% confidence interval (CI)] on HbA1c of −3.52 (−6.7 to −0.34) mmol/mol (p = .045). There was no difference in fasting glucose −4.7 mg/dL (95% CI −16.3 to 6.9; p = .426).

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplementation in obese hypertensive patients with low 25(OH)D reduces HbA1c levels. This finding warrants further investigation into potential vitamin D effects on glucose homeostasis.
Response to ‘Duplications’ by Drelichman and Voth
Authors: ÁLVAREZ‐NOGAL CARLOS , CHAMLEY CHRISTOPHE P.
Published: June 2016

In this response, we demonstrate that Mauricio Drelichman and Hans‐Joachim Voth, in their 2015 Economic History Review note ‘Duplication without constraints: Álvarez‐Nogal and Chamley's analysis of debt policy under Philip II’, provide a misconceived and inaccurate account of our argument about the finances of Philip II in ‘Debt policy under constraints: Philip II, the Cortes, and Genoese bankers’ (Economic History Review, 2014). Here, we summarize our position in the context of the current literature and provide a few comments on data gathering.
Conducting Simulation Studies in Psychometrics
Authors: Feinberg Richard A. , Rubright Jonathan D.
Published: June 2016

Simulation studies are fundamental to psychometric discourse and play a crucial role in operational and academic research. Yet, resources for psychometricians interested in conducting simulations are scarce. This Instructional Topics in Educational Measurement Series (ITEMS) module is meant to address this deficiency by providing a comprehensive introduction to the topic of simulation that can be easily understood by measurement specialists at all levels of training and experience. Specifically, this module describes the vocabulary used in simulations, reviews their applications in recent literature, and recommends specific guidelines for designing simulation studies and presenting results. Additionally, an example (including computer code in R) is given to demonstrate how common aspects of simulation studies can be implemented in practice and to provide a template to help users build their own simulation.
Differences in pupal cold hardiness and larval food consumption between overwintering and non‐overwintering generations of the common yellow swallowtail,Papilio machaon(Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), from the Osaka population
Authors: Hirai Norio , Hirai Yuka , Ishii Minoru
Published: June 2016

To clarify differences in pupal cold hardiness and larval food consumption between overwintering and non‐overwintering generations of the common yellow swallowtail,Papilio machaon, we reared larvae from the Osaka population under photoperiods of 16 h light : 8 h dark (LD 16:8) (long day) or LD 12:12 (short day) at 20°C. We examined the relationship between food consumption and weight during the final larval stadium and pupae, and measured the pupal supercooling point (SCP). Although the ratio of assimilation to consumption did not differ significantly between photoperiods, the ratio of assimilation to pupal weight differed significantly between individuals reared under long and short days. All diapausing pupae were brown, whereas 56% of non‐diapausing pupae were green with the remainder brown. The mean pupal body length (L), dorsal width (W1) and lateral width (W2) were larger in non‐diapausing than in diapausing pupae, and theW1/LandW1/W2ratios differed significantly between non‐diapausing and diapausing pupae. SCP was approximately –20°C and did not differ among pupae 5, 15 and 30 days after pupation under long‐day conditions. However, under short‐day conditions, mean SCP gradually decreased, stabilizing at approximately –24 to –25°C by 30 days after pupation. After freezing, some diapausing pupae emerged as adults, whereas all non‐diapausing pupae died. Both egestion and assimilation were greater under long‐day conditions. The results revealed that pupae of this papilionid exhibit seasonal polyphenism in physiological and morphological traits. Energy from food appears to be expended on increasing cold hardiness in the overwintering generation and on reproduction in the non‐overwintering generation.
Evaluation of Agricultural Production Systems Simulator as yield predictor of Panicum virgatum and Miscanthus x giganteus in several US environments
Authors: Ojeda Jonathan J. , Volenec Jeffrey J. , Brouder Sylvie M. , Caviglia Octavio P. , Agnusdei Mónica G.
Published: June 2016

Simulation models for perennial energy crops such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) can be useful tools to design management strategies for biomass productivity improvement in US environments. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) is a biophysical model with the potential to simulate the growth of perennial crops. APSIM crop modules do not exist for switchgrass and Miscanthus, however, re‐parameterization of existing APSIM modules could be used to simulate the growth of these perennials. Our aim was to evaluate the ability of APSIM to predict the dry matter (DM) yield of switchgrass and Miscanthus at several US locations. The Lucerne (for switchgrass) and Sugarcane (for Miscanthus) APSIM modules were calibrated using data from four locations in Indiana. A sensitivity analysis informed the relative impact of changes in plant and soil parameters of APSIM Lucerne and APSIM Sugarcane modules. An independent dataset of switchgrass and Miscanthus DM yields from several US environments was used to validate these re‐parameterized APSIM modules. The re‐parameterized modules simulated DM yields of switchgrass [0.95 for CCC (concordance correlation coefficient) and 0 for SB (bias of the simulation from the measurement)] and Miscanthus (0.65 and 0% for CCC and SB, respectively) accurately at most locations with the exception of switchgrass at southern US sites (0.01 for CCC and 2% for SB). Therefore, the APSIM model is a promising tool for simulating DM yields for switchgrass and Miscanthus while accounting for environmental variability. Given our study was strictly based on APSIM calibrations at Indiana locations, additional research using more extensive calibration data may enhance APSIM robustness.
Influence of hepatorenal syndrome on outcome of living donor liver transplantation: A single‐center experience in 357 patients
Authors: Okamura Yusuke , Hata Koichiro , Inamoto Osamu , Kubota Toyonari , Hirao Hirofumi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kohei , Mori Akira , Okajima Hideaki , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: June 2016

Aim

Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS); however, the influence of HRS on the patient and renal outcome after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of HRS on the outcome of LDLT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 357 consecutive adult patients who underwent primary LDLT between January 2005 and March 2013 at Kyoto University Hospital. The outcome of the patients with HRS was compared with those without HRS.

Results

A total of 29 patients (8%) were diagnosed as HRS (Group‐HRS) preoperatively, and the other 328 patients (92%) were not diagnosed as HRS (Group‐Non‐HRS). Group‐HRS showed a significantly lower preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (22.1 vs 78.3 mL/min/1.73m2, P < 0.001) and higher Child–Pugh–Turcotte score (13 vs 10, P < 0.001) than Group‐non‐HRS. After a median follow up of 60 months, the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year recipients' survival were 60.7%, 57.1% and 57.1% in Group‐HRS, and 83.7%, 79.4% and 76.2% in Group‐Non‐HRS, respectively (P = 0.030). Concomitant HRS significantly elongated postoperative hospital stays (75 vs 50 days, P = 0.003), as well as predisposed patients to higher in‐hospital mortality (41% vs 18%, P = 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate on admission <40 mL/min/1.73m2, OR 2.106, P = 0.03) was an independent risk factor for 1‐year recipients' survival after LDLT, in addition to donor age ≥38 years (OR 3.114, P < 0.001), Child–Pugh–Turcotte score ≥13 (OR 2.929, P < 0.001) and left lobe graft (OR 2.225, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Coincidence of HRS is associated with significantly worse outcome after LDLT, especially in the early post‐transplant period.
Yolk sac tumours of the female genital tract in older adults derive commonly from somatic epithelial neoplasms: somatically derived yolk sac tumours
Authors: McNamee Tamara , Damato Stephen , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: June 2016

Aims

To report 18 yolk sac tumours (YSTs) of the female genital tract (17 ovary, one uterus) in patients aged 40 years or over, most arising from a somatic epithelial neoplasm.

Methods and results

Six patients had pure YST, two were associated with immature teratoma (one with an endometrioid adenocarcinoma) and in 11 there was an epithelial neoplasm comprising high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) (n = 5), clear cell carcinoma (n = 1), borderline clear cell adenofibroma (n = 1), endometrioid adenocarcinoma (n = 2), serous tubal intra‐epithelial carcinoma (n = 1) and large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 1). In one case of pure YST, there was an ipsilateral endometriotic cyst but no other neoplastic component. In two cases, the YST was a hepatoid variant and in most of the others it exhibited predominantly glandular morphology, closely mimicking an epithelial neoplasm.

Conclusions

Pathologists should be aware of the association between YST and an epithelial neoplasm, the former probably arising from the latter through a process of neometaplasia/retrodifferentiation. Those rare gynaecological pure glandular YSTs in adults may arise secondary to total overgrowth of an epithelial neoplasm. Pathologists need a high index of suspicion to diagnose the YST component, as the morphology is characteristically of a glandular variant with marked morphological overlap with adenocarcinomas. There is also often significant immunophenotypical overlap with epithelial neoplasms, as the YST component may be positive with epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), BerEP4 and cytokeratin 7 (CK7), as well as YST markers. We propose the term ‘somatically derived YSTs’ for these neoplasms and suggest unification of the terminology between different sites where such neoplasms occur.