bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the use of oxygenic photosynthesis for the sustainable production of commodity chemicals
Authors: Pérez Adam A. , Chen Que , Hernández Hugo Pineda , Branco dos Santos Filipe , Hellingwerf Klaas J.
Published: March 2019

A sustainable society will have to largely refrain from the use of fossil carbon deposits. In such a regime, renewable electricity can be harvested as a primary source of energy. However, as for the synthesis of carbon‐based materials from bulk chemicals, an alternative is required. A sustainable approach towards this is the synthesis of commodity chemicals from CO2, water and sunlight. Multiple paths to achieve this have been designed and tested in the domains of chemistry and biology. In the latter, the use of both chemotrophic and phototrophic organisms has been advocated. ‘Direct conversion’ of CO2 and H2O, catalyzed by an oxyphototroph, has excellent prospects to become the most economically competitive of these transformations, because of the relative ease of scale‐up of this process. Significantly, for a wide range of energy and commodity products, a proof of principle via engineering of the corresponding production organism has been provided. In the optimization of a cyanobacterial production organism, a wide range of aspects has to be addressed. Of these, here we will put our focus on: (1) optimizing the (carbon) flux to the desired product; (2) increasing the genetic stability of the producing organism and (3) maximizing its energy conversion efficiency. Significant advances have been made on all these three aspects during the past 2 years and these will be discussed: (1) increasing the carbon partitioning to >50%; (2) aligning product formation with the growth of the cells and (3) expanding the photosynthetically active radiation region for oxygenic photosynthesis.
Rural Azerbaijan through Quantitative and Qualitative Research Lenses: Debating the Transition to Small Farm Capitalism
Authors: Rzayeva Sara , Rzayev Rafail
Published: March 2019

This article examines agrarian relations in post‐Soviet Azerbaijan after redistributive land reforms. We argue that the reforms failed to establish small‐farm capitalism on former collective and state farm land. Commodity production in rural Azerbaijan is characterized by increasing concentration of land and capital, and the recipients of the privatized land shares procure livelihoods not through commercial farming, but through a combination of strategies—including wages, remittances from migrant relatives, and subsistence agriculture. This study is based on the combination of state statistics, government reports, and local ethnography—in‐depth interviews with land reform administrators and with rural residents in six diverse villages from two distinct regions of Azerbaijan. Previous studies of post‐Soviet transition in rural Azerbaijan reported different results of the land reforms. A quantitative account based on the state statistics reported a postreform countryside where small farmers, former collective and state laborers, live off their privatized land shares and increase agricultural productivity. A qualitative account based on local ethnography suggested that the privatized land shares play a marginal role in the livelihoods of local residents. We show how the discrepancy is illusory and stems from an erroneous, legal definition of “small farms” used in the state statistics, which conflates socially distinct categories of land use. When the statistical terms are put into their social context, the quantitative data confirm the qualitative findings.
Natural killer cells: From surface receptors to the cure of high‐risk leukemia (Ceppellini Lecture)
Authors: Falco Michela , Pende Daniela , Munari Enrico , Vacca Paola , Mingari Maria C. , Moretta Lorenzo
Published: March 2019

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effector cells involved in the first line of defense against viral infections and malignancies. In the last three decades, the identification of HLA class I‐specific inhibitory killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) and of the main activating receptors has strongly improved our understanding of the mechanisms regulating NK cell functions. The increased knowledge on how NK cells discriminate healthy cells from damaged cells has made it possible to transfer basic research notions to clinical applications. Of particular relevance is the strong NK‐mediated anti‐leukemia effect in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to cure high‐risk leukemia.
The major histocompatibility complex of Old World camelids: Class I and class I‐related genes
Authors: Plasil Martin , Wijkmark Sofia , Elbers Jean P. , Oppelt Jan , Burger Pamela A. , Horin Petr
Published: March 2019

The genomic structure of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region and variation in selected MHC class I related genes in Old World camels, Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedaries were studied. The overall genomic organization of the camel MHC region follows a general pattern observed in other mammalian species and individual MHC loci appear to be well conserved. Selected MHC class I genes B‐67 and BL3‐7 exhibited unexpectedly low variability, even when compared to other camel MHC class I related genes MR1 and MICA. Interspecific SNP and allele sharing are relatively common, and frequencies of heterozygotes are usually low. Such a low variation in a genomic region generally considered as one of the most polymorphic in vertebrate genomes is unusual. Evolutionary relationships between MHC class I related genes and their counterparts from other species seem to be rather complex. Often, they do not follow the general evolutionary history of the species concerned. Close evolutionary relationships of individual MHC class I loci between camels, humans and dogs were observed. Based on the results of this study and on our data on MHC class II genes, the extent and the pattern of polymorphism of the MHC region of Old World camelids differed from most mammalian groups studied so far. Camels thus seem to be an important model for our understanding of the role of genetic diversity in immune functions, especially in the context of unique features of their immunoglobulin and T‐cell receptor genes.
The Spatial Footprint of the Knowledge Economy: The Role of Intangible Investment in Shaping Regional Inequalities in Great Britain
Authors: Melachroinos Konstantinos A. , Spence Nigel
Published: March 2019

Since the advent of the knowledge economy it has become evident that the territorial footprint of investment in intangible assets is largely asymmetrical. First, these types of assets tend to be distributed unevenly across space. Second, intangible assets are an important source of productivity growth and competitiveness. Although significant advances have been made in measuring intangible assets and accounting for their effects in economic outcomes, their exact nature remains vague. Within the national accounts framework the majority of intangibles are, even now, still treated as intermediate expenditure. Consequently, intangibles are largely excluded from conventional measures of output and investment, making it difficult to account for their spatial effects. The present paper adjusts gross value added (GVA) data for NUTS 3 regions in Great Britain for intangibles. The adjusted series are then used to investigate trends in regional inequalities in GVA per employee in this country during the pre‐recession period 1995–2007.
The Geography of Borrowing Size: Exploring Spatial Distributions for German Urban Regions
Authors: Volgmann Kati , Rusche Karsten
Published: March 2019

This paper contributes to the discussion on borrowing size effects. According to this concept, smaller cities that are part of larger functional urban regions can utilise metropolitan functions and economic externalities, thereby boosting their regional performance. This is conceptualised in the four‐dimension scheme of Meijers and Burger. Consequently, this paper analytically explores and operationalises the borrowed size concept and reveals insights into the relation and spatial distribution of four types of effects: borrowed size, borrowed performance, borrowed function and agglomeration shadow. Research on these spatial effects is applied on a small‐scale spatial level and integrates all municipalities in German urban regions. We find different geographies of effects among the four‐dimensions of borrowed size. City size and centrality degree show a significant influence on positioning in the four borrowed size effect types.
Skin disease in donkeys (Equus asinus): a retrospective study from four veterinary schools
Authors: White Stephen D. , Bourdeau Patrick J. , Brément Thomas , Vandenabeele Sophie I. , Haspeslagh Maarten , Bruet Vincent , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan Marianne M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Donkeys are important throughout the world as work animals and occasionally as pets or a meat source. Most descriptions of skin disease in donkeys are reported in small case series, textbooks or review articles.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To document skin diseases and their prevalence in donkeys and to investigate predilections for the most common conditions.

Animals

Case populations at four veterinary schools totalling 156 donkeys.

Methods and materials

A retrospective study was performed by searching computerized medical records, using the key word “donkey”, at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis (UCD). Records of donkeys from the veterinary schools in Nantes, France; Utrecht, Netherlands and Ghent, Belgium were searched in a similar manner. The time periods included in the searches varied by institution.

Results

At UCD, 83 of 346 (24%) of donkeys had skin disease noted in their records. The most common diagnoses were insect bite hypersensitivity, sarcoid and habronemiasis. At Nantes, 36 of 144 (25%) had skin disease and the most common diagnoses were sarcoid and superficial pyoderma. At Utrecht 23 of 143 (16%) had skin disease and the most common diagnosis was dermatophytosis. At Ghent, 14 of 320 (4%) had skin disease and the most common diagnosis was sarcoid.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Cutaneous conditions in donkeys are common. Age, sex and breed predisposition and the most common diagnoses varied with geographical location. Clinicians should include a dermatological examination regardless of the reason for presentation.
Clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging features, and outcome in 6 cats with lumbar degenerative intervertebral disc extrusion treated with hemilaminectomy
Authors: Hamilton‐Bennett Sinead E. , Behr Sebastien
Published: March 2019

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging features, and outcome of cats treated with hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE).

Study design

Short case series.

Animals

Six cats.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for signalment, onset, duration, and severity of clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging features, surgical findings, and clinical outcome with a minimum postoperative follow‐up of 4 weeks.

Results

Our population included 6 cats with a median age of 8.6 years, consisting predominantly of males (n = 5) and purebred cats (n = 4). An acute onset and short duration of progressive clinical signs of myelopathy was the most common presentation; spinal hyperesthesia was present in 3 cats. A large volume of extradural material was identified by MRI within the lumbar vertebral column of each cat, causing marked spinal cord compression. The most common sites affected were L2‐L3 (n = 2) and L6‐L7 (n = 2). Follow‐up after hemilaminectomy was available in 5 cats: 4 had normal voluntary motor function, and 1 had recurrence of acute paraplegia, compromised nociception, and an extensive T2w hyperintense intramedullary lesion according to MRI. All 4 cats with preoperative urinary incontinence remained incontinent for at least 1 week despite good voluntary motor function of pelvic limbs.

Conclusion

Intervertebral disc extrusion was diagnosed by MRI in all 6 cats, most commonly at L2‐3 and L6‐7. Hemilaminectomy resulted in a good to excellent outcome in 4 of 5 cats.

Clinical significance

Feline IVDE can be diagnosed by MRI and carry a good prognosis after surgical decompression, although urinary continence may be delayed despite good pelvic limb voluntary motor function.
Comparison between high‐field 3 Tesla MRI and computed tomography with and without arthrography for visualization of canine carpal ligaments: A cadaveric study
Authors: Castelli Emanuele , Pozzi Antonio , Klisch Karl , Scotti Lorenza , Hoey Séamus , Dennler Matthias
Published: March 2019

Objective

To compare the quality of visualization of canine carpal ligaments by using computed tomography (CT), MRI, CT arthrography (CTA), and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA).

Study design

Prospective descriptive study.

Study population

Cadavers from dogs weighing more than 20 kg.

Methods

A 16‐slice CT scanner and a 3 Tesla MRI were used for the investigation. A dilute contrast medium was injected into the middle carpal and radiocarpal joints under fluoroscopic control, and CTA and MRA images were acquired. To evaluate the difference between imaging modalities, 3 observers graded carpal ligaments of clinical interest using a scale from 0 to 4 for their quality of visualization. Data were analyzed by using a random‐effect ordinal logistic regression with Bonferroni adjustment. The interobserver agreement was calculated by using the weighted Cohen's κ.

Results

Normal carpal joints (n = 9) were investigated. Magnetic resonance arthrography improved visualization of the majority of carpal ligaments compared with MRI (P < .05) and offered the best visualization overall. Magnetic resonance imaging and MRA offered better visualization compared with both CT and CTA (P < .05). There was no difference between CT and CTA. Interobserver agreement was discrete (0.2 < κ ≤ 0.4) for all observers.

Conclusion

Arthrography improved the capabilities of MRI but not of CT for visualization of the canine carpal ligaments. Magnetic resonance arthrography was particularly useful for evaluation of the stabilizers of the antebrachiocarpal joint.

Clinical significance

3 Tesla MRA and MRI allow excellent visualization of the ligamentous morphology and may be helpful in the diagnostic process of carpal sprains in dogs.
Análisis del impacto de implementación de las normas internacionales de información financiera (NIIF) en el sector industrial de Bogotá para PYMEs
Authors: Orobio Montaño Alexander , Rodríguez Rodríguez Edgar Manuel , Acosta Quevedo Juan Carlos
Published: March 2019

Este artículo trata sobre los principales impactos de la implementación de las normas internacionales de información financiera (NIIF) para pymes en el sector industrial de Bogotá. La investigación abarcó cuatro fases: capacitación, diagnóstico y utilización de recursos, elaboración de políticas contables y elaboración del estado de situación financiera de apertura. Se aplicó una encuesta a funcionarios del área contable o financiera en 403 pymes del sector industrial de la Ciudad y una entrevista semi-estructurada en profundidad a altos funcionarios del área administrativa, contable o financiera en 10 pymes del sector industrial. Los resultados revelaron la falta de compromiso desde la administración de las organizaciones, ya que es la responsable de la implementación de esta normatividad, hecho que se evidenció en la resistencia institucional para ponerla en marcha dentro de las pymes. La implementación de las NIIF en las pymes ha generado un gran impacto no solo en las áreas contables y financieras, sino en todas las áreas de las diferentes organizaciones.
Metodología de costos para los productos agrícolas, basada en las normas internacionales de contabilidad. Una aplicación en las ciruelas europeas variedad D’Agen*
Authors: Alvear Vega Sandra , Figueroa Salinas Katerin
Published: March 2019

Este artículo expone la aplicación de una metodología para medir el costo de producción del kilo de fruta deshidratada, aplicando las Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad, en una plantación de Ciruelo D’Agen, en Chile. Se muestra el costo por cada árbol, ciruelo, hasta el inicio de la primera cosecha, clasificado en fijo y variable. Además, se determina el impacto de la depreciación del árbol, en el kilo de ciruela deshidratada. Finalmente, se determinó el costo del kilo de ciruela deshidratada. El costo total del kilo de ciruela deshidratada es intensivo en costos fijos, lo anterior, tiene relevancia en la gestión de la fruticultura en Chile, pues una disminución en los niveles de cosecha o de precios afecta a los agricultores en la viabilidad de la inversión en el mediano y largo plazo, de ahí la importancia de disponer de una metodología de costos, que incorpore la dimensión técnica, económica y financiera.
Responsabilidad Social Empresarial: un instrumento para medir la implementación en las empresas del índice de sustentabilidad de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores
Authors: Landázuri Aguilera Yara , Hinojosa Cruz Adriana Verónica , Aguilar Morales Norma
Published: March 2019

Este artículo presenta el diseño y la validación de un instrumento de medición de la responsabilidad social empresarial a través de las dimensiones económica, social y medioambiental, utilizando técnica de mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS) y el software utilizado para tal fin ha sido Smart-PLS, versión 3. La investigación se realizó con la información de una muestra de empresas que cotizan en la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores y que pertenecen al índice de sustentabilidad. Los resultados confirman un instrumento estadísticamente válido para medir la responsabilidad social a través de las tres dimensiones propuestas con oportunidades de mejora para dimensión económica y de esta manera continuar con la investigación sobre el tema de responsabilidad social en México.
Simulación del modelo de negocio de la ETB: de la contabilidad financiera a la simulación de la estrategia corporativa
Authors: Gómez Pinto Óscar Orlando
Published: March 2019

El presente artículo presenta un modelo de simulación organizacional aplicado a la Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá (ETB), para estimar el impacto financiero de las políticas y estrategias de negocio antes de implementarlas, reduciendo así el riesgo inherente a la toma de decisiones inadecuadas o inoportunas. El modelo dinámico representa la cadena de valor de la ETB, y a través del análisis de causalidad de las variables se facilita el entendimiento del modelo de negocio y la evaluación financiera de las alternativas que se planteen como políticas de intervención en el sistema. Esta investigación constituye un punto de partida para futuras pesquisas relacionadas con modelación de negocios o de simulación y evaluación de políticas.
Steerable sparse linear array design based on compressive sensing with multiple measurement vectors
Authors: Goel Arun , Kumar Arun , Bahl Rajendar
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the synthesis of a non-uniform linear array for two-dimensional Range-Bearing underwater acoustic imaging based on the multiple beam, measurement vectors (MMV) Compressive Sensing (CS) method. This method considers multiple steering directions in the mathematical model and exploits the sparsity of the oversampled linear aperture to obtain a thinned array structure. In this paper, a simulation study to synthesise the sparse linear array (SLA) for a Forward Looking Sonar system considering multiple beams in the field of view (FOV) was conducted. The comparison of the array synthesised using single measurement vector compressive sensing (SMV CS), which considers only the broadside beam in the mathematical model, is also presented. From the imaging point of view, when the SMV CS synthesised SLA is steered in a direction other than broadside, spurious/unwanted lobes appear in the beam pattern (BP). To overcome this problem, the MMV method and demonstrate its performance efficacy with a simulation study are proposed. The design of SLA for 37.5, 75, 150, 300, and 600 kHz with angular resolution 6.4°–0.4° with 11–149 beams in the FOV keeping the aperture fixed are presented, as is a design keeping angular resolution fixed at 1.5° to generalise a design of SLA for the above mentioned interested frequencies.
Biphasic Functional Interaction between the Adenovirus E4orf4 Protein and DNA-PK
Authors: Nebenzahl-Sharon Keren , Shalata Hassan , Sharf Rakefet , Amer Jana , Khoury-Haddad Hanan , Sohn Sook-Young , Ayoub Nabieh , Hearing Patrick , Kleinberger Tamar
Published: March 2019

Several DNA viruses evolved mechanisms to inhibit the cellular DNA damage response (DDR), which acts as an antiviral defense system. We present a novel mechanism by which the adenovirus (Ad) E4orf4 protein inhibits the DDR. E4orf4 interacts with the DNA damage sensor DNA-PK in a biphasic manner. Early during infection, E4orf4 requires DNA-PK activity to inhibit various branches of the DDR, whereas it later inhibits DNA-PK itself. Furthermore, although both E4orf4 and DNA-PK are recruited to virus replication centers (RCs), DNA-PK is later distanced from late-phase RCs. Delayed DNA-PK inhibition greatly contributes to Ad replication efficiency. When E4orf4 is expressed alone, it is recruited to DNA damage sites. Inhibition of DNA-PK prevents both recruitment and the previously reported ability of E4orf4 to kill cancer cells. Our results support an important role for the E4orf4–DNA-PK interaction in Ad replication and in facilitation of E4orf4-induced cancer-selective cell death.
Divergent HIV-1-Directed Immune Responses Generated by Systemic and Mucosal Immunization with Replicating Single-Cycle Adenoviruses in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Matchett William E. , Anguiano-Zarate Stephanie S. , Nehete Pramod N. , Shelton Kathryn , Nehete Bharti P. , Yang Guojun , Dorta-Estremera Stephanie , Barnette Philip , Xiao Peng , Byrareddy Siddappa N. , Villinger Francois , Hessell Ann J. , Haigwood Nancy L. , Sastry K. Jagannadha , Barry Michael A.
Published: March 2019

HIV-1 infections usually start at a mucosal surface after sexual contact. Creating a barrier of protection at these mucosal sites may be a good strategy for to protect against HIV-1 infections. While HIV-1 enters at mucosa, most vaccines are not delivered here. Most are instead injected into the muscle, a site well distant and functionally different than mucosal tissues. This study tested if delivering HIV vaccines at mucosa or in the muscle makes a difference in the quality, quantity, and location of immune responses against the virus. These data suggest that there are indeed advantages to educating the immune system at mucosal sites with an HIV-1 vaccine.
The Evolution of SlyA/RovA Transcription Factors from Repressors to Countersilencers inEnterobacteriaceae
Authors: Will W. Ryan , Brzovic Peter , Le Trong Isolde , Stenkamp Ronald E. , Lawrenz Matthew B. , Karlinsey Joyce E. , Navarre William W. , Main-Hester Kara , Miller Virginia L. , Libby Stephen J. , Fang Ferric C.
Published: March 2019

Bacteria primarily evolve via horizontal gene transfer, acquiring new traits such as virulence and antibiotic resistance in single transfer events. However, newly acquired genes must be integrated into existing regulatory networks to allow appropriate expression in new hosts. This is accommodated in part by the opposing mechanisms of xenogeneic silencing and countersilencing. An understanding of these mechanisms is necessary to understand the relationship between gene regulation and bacterial evolution. Here we examine the functional evolution of an important lineage of countersilencers belonging to the ancient MarR family of classical transcriptional repressors. We show that although members of the SlyA lineage retain some ancestral features associated with the MarR family, theircis-regulatory sequences have evolved significantly to support their new function. Understanding the mechanistic requirements for countersilencing is critical to understanding the pathoadaptation of emerging pathogens and also has practical applications in synthetic biology.
A Novel
In Vivo
Infection Model To Study Papillomavirus-Mediated Disease of the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Spurgeon Megan E. , Uberoi Aayushi , McGregor Stephanie M. , Wei Tao , Ward-Shaw Ella , Lambert Paul F.
Published: March 2019

Tractable and efficient models of papillomavirus-induced pathogenesis are limited due to the strict species-specific and tissue-specific tropism of these viruses. Here, we report a novel preclinical murine model of papillomavirus-induced cervicovaginal disease in wild-type, immunocompetent mice using the recently discovered murine papillomavirus, MmuPV1. In this model, MmuPV1 establishes persistent viral infections in the mucosal epithelia of the female reproductive tract, a necessary component needed to accurately mimic HPV-mediated neoplastic disease in humans. Persistent MmuPV1 infections were able to induce progressive neoplastic disease and carcinogenesis, either alone or in combination with previously identified cofactors of papillomavirus-induced disease. This new model will provide a much-needed platform for basic and translational studies on both papillomavirus infection and associated disease in immunocompetent mice.
Changes in Intrinsic Antibiotic Susceptibility during a Long-Term Evolution Experiment with Escherichia coli
Authors: Lamrabet Otmane , Martin Mikaël , Lenski Richard E. , Schneider Dominique
Published: March 2019

Resistance to antibiotics often evolves when bacteria encounter antibiotics. However, bacterial strains and species without any known exposure to these drugs also vary in their intrinsic susceptibility. In many cases, evolved resistance has been shown to be costly to the bacteria, such that resistant types have reduced competitiveness relative to their sensitive progenitors in the absence of antibiotics. In this study, we examined changes in the susceptibilities of 12 populations of
Escherichia coli
to 15 antibiotics after 2,000 and 50,000 generations without exposure to any drug. The evolved bacteria tended to become more susceptible to most antibiotics, with most of the change occurring during the first 2,000 generations, when the bacteria were undergoing rapid adaptation to their experimental conditions. On balance, our findings indicate that bacteria with low levels of intrinsic resistance can, in the absence of relevant selection, become even more susceptible to antibiotics.
Virus Genomes from Deep Sea Sediments Expand the Ocean Megavirome and Support Independent Origins of Viral Gigantism
Authors: Bäckström Disa , Yutin Natalya , Jørgensen Steffen L. , Dharamshi Jennah , Homa Felix , Zaremba-Niedwiedzka Katarzyna , Spang Anja , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V. , Ettema Thijs J. G.
Published: March 2019

Genomics and evolution of giant viruses are two of the most vigorously developing areas of virus research. Lately, metagenomics has become the main source of new virus genomes. Here we describe a metagenomic analysis of the genomes of large and giant viruses from deep sea sediments. The assembled new virus genomes substantially expand the known diversity of the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses of eukaryotes. The results support the concept of independent evolution of giant viruses from smaller ancestors in different virus branches.
The ESCRT-Related ATPase Vps4 Is Modulated by Interferon during Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection
Authors: Cabrera Jorge Ruben , Manivanh Richard , North Brian J. , Leib David A.
Published: March 2019

Neurons rely on IFNs and autophagy as major defenses against viral infections, and HSV must overcome such defenses in order to replicate. In addition to controlling host immunity, HSV must also control host membranes in order to complete its life cycle. HSV uses the host ESCRT membrane scission machinery for viral production and transport. Here we present evidence of a new IFN-dependent mechanism used by the host to prevent ESCRT subversion by HSV. This activity also impacts the dynamics of autophagy, possibly explaining the presence of recently described LC3 clusters in the HSV-infected nervous system. The induced accumulations of ubiquitin observed in these LC3 clusters resembled those observed in certain neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting possible mechanistic parallels between these conditions.
Distinct Physiological Roles of the Three Ferredoxins Encoded in the Hyperthermophilic ArchaeonThermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Burkhart Brett W. , Febvre Hallie P. , Santangelo Thomas J.
Published: March 2019

High-energy electrons liberated during catabolic processes can be exploited for energy-conserving mechanisms. Maximal energy gains demand these valuable electrons be accurately shuttled from electron donor to appropriate electron acceptor. Proteinaceous electron carriers such as ferredoxins offer opportunities to exploit specific ferredoxin partnerships to ensure that electron flux to critical physiological pathways is aligned with maximal energy gains. Most species encode many ferredoxin isoforms, but very little is known about the role of individual ferredoxins in most systems. Our results detail that ferredoxin isoforms make largely unique and distinct protein interactionsin vivoand that flux through one ferredoxin often cannot be recovered by flux through a different ferredoxin isoform. The results obtained more broadly suggest that ferredoxin isoforms throughout biological life have evolved not as generic electron shuttles, but rather serve as selective couriers of valuable low-potential electrons from select electron donors to desirable electron acceptors.
A Phylogenetic and Functional Perspective on Volatile Organic Compound Production byActinobacteria
Authors: Choudoir Mallory , Rossabi Sam , Gebert Matthew , Helmig Detlev , Fierer Noah
Published: March 2019

Soil microbes produce a diverse array of natural products, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Volatile compounds are important molecules in soil habitats, where they mediate interactions between bacteria, fungi, insects, plants, and animals. We measured the VOCs produced by a broad diversity of soil- and dust-dwellingActinobacteria in vitro. We detected a total of 126 unique volatile compounds, and each strain produced a unique combination of VOCs. While some of the compounds were produced by many strains, most were strain specific. Importantly, VOC profiles were more similar between closely related strains, indicating that evolutionary and ecological processes generate predictable patterns of VOC production. Finally, we observed that actinobacterial VOCs had both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria that represent a plant-beneficial symbiont and a plant-pathogenic strain, information that may lead to the development of novel strategies for plant disease prevention.
Effect of the comprehensive smoke-free law on time trends in smoking behaviour in primary healthcare patients in Spain: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Pons-Vigués Mariona , Rando-Matos Yolanda , Rodriguez-Blanco Teresa , Ballvé-Moreno Josep Lluís , Ripoll Joana , Llobera Joan , Morán Julio , López-Jiménez Tomàs , Violán-Fors Concepción , Bolibar Bonaventura
Published: March 2019

Objective

This study aimed to analyse the impact of comprehensive smoke-free legislation (SFL) on the prevalence and incidence of adult smoking in primary healthcare (PHC) patients from three Spanish regions, overall and stratified by sex.

Design

Longitudinal observational study conducted between 2008 and 2013.

Setting

66 PHC teams in Catalonia, Navarre and the Balearic Islands (Spain).

Participants

Population over 15 years of age assigned to PHC teams.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

Quarterly age-standardised prevalence of non-smoker, smoker and ex-smoker and incidence of new smoker, new ex-smoker and ex-smoker relapse rates were estimated with data retrieved from PHC electronic health records. Joinpoint analysis was used to analyse the trends of age-standardised prevalence and incidence rates. Trends were expressed as annual percentage change and average annual percent change.

Results

The overall standardised smoker prevalence rate showed a significant downward trend (higher in men than women) and the overall standardised ex-smoker prevalence rate showed a significant increased trend (higher in women than men) in the three regions. Standardised smoker and ex-smoker prevalence rates were higher for men than women in all regions. With regard to overall trends of incidence rates, new smokers decreased significantly in Catalonia and Navarre and similarly in men and women, new ex-smokers decreased significantly and more in men in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, and ex-smoker relapse increased in Catalonia (particularly in women) and decreased in Navarre.

Conclusions

Trends in smoking behaviour in PHC patients remain unchanged after the implementation of comprehensive SFL. The impact of the comprehensive SFL might have been lessened by the effect of the preceding partial SFL.
Protocol of reporting items for public versions of guidelines: the Reporting Tool for Practice Guidelines in Health Care—public versions of guidelines
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Zhou Qi , Chen Yaolong , Yao Liang , Wang Qi , Wang Mengshu , Yang Kehu , Norris Susan L
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Patient and public versions of guidelines (PVGs) can help with individual decision making and enhance the patient–clinician relationship by providing easily understandable and reliable information. An increasing number of guideline organisations are developing PVGs. However, the reporting of PVGs by different groups and organisations varies widely. This study aims to develop a reporting checklist for PVGs for healthcare.

Methods and analysis

We will develop the PVG reporting checklist as an extension of the Reporting Tool for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) statement. We will build on the methods recommended by the EQUATOR network, which is our starting point. We will conduct a literature review, establish an international multidisciplinary team, run a modified Delphi process to identify the reporting items and pilot test the draft reporting checklist. We plan to update the checklist every 3 years.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval and patient consent are not required since this study will not undertake any formal data collection involving humans or animals. The results of this protocol will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Trial registration

We registered the protocol on the EQUATOR network (http://www.equator-network.org/library/reporting-guidelines-under-development/#84).
Sociocultural aspects of takeaway food consumption in a low-socioeconomic ward in Manchester: a grounded theory study
Authors: Blow Jennifer , Patel Sumaiya , Davies Ian G , Gregg Rebecca
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Takeaway foods form a growing proportion of the UK diet. This consumption is linked with poor health outcomes due to their adverse nutritional profile. However, there is little research regarding the sociocultural context surrounding the consumption of takeaway meals. This research aimed to explore the sociocultural factors that influence the consumption of takeaway foods.

Design

The study employed constructivist grounded theory (GT) methodology. Data were collected using one-to-one semi-structured interviews from an inner-city area of Manchester (Rusholme). Data sorting and analysis was implemented using the GT constant comparative method.

Setting

Rusholme, Manchester, UK.

Participants

Adult participants (aged 18 to 65 years) consuming takeaway meals at least once/month were recruited using social media and community settings.

Results

13 participants were interviewed (female 69%, mean age=38 years). Three superordinate themes were derived from data: social factors, personal factors and resources. Social Factors included the influence of routines and traditions, influential others and a sense of community in the bonding and affirming of relationships. Personal Factors explored the subordinate themes of controlling damage and values relating to food choice. The third theme ‘Resources’ included time, availability, cost and quality.

Conclusion

This study shows the sociocultural influences on food choice decisions are complex and may go beyond access and availability. Any policy change to limit takeaway consumption should acknowledge these vital processes in food choice to inform targeted effective approaches.
Caesarean section in uninsured women in the USA: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hoxha Ilir , Braha Medina , Syrogiannouli Lamprini , Goodman David C , Jüni Peter
Published: March 2019

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the odds of caesarean section (CS) for uninsured women in the USA and understand the underlying mechanisms as well as consequences of lower use.

Study design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL from the first year of records to April 2018.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies that reported data to allow the calculation of ORs of CS of uninsured as compared with insured women.

Outcomes

The prespecified primary outcome was the adjusted OR of deliveries by CS of uninsured women as compared with privately or publicly insured women. The prespecified secondary outcome was the crude OR of deliveries by CS of uninsured women as compared with insured women.

Results

12 articles describing 16 separate studies involving more than 8.8 million women were included in this study. We found: 0.70 times lower odds of CS in uninsured as compared with privately insured women (95% CI 0.63 to 0.78), with no relevant heterogeneity between studies (τ2=0.01); and 0.92 times lower odds for CS in uninsured as compared with publicly insured women (95% CI 0.80 to 1.07), with no relevant heterogeneity between studies (τ2=0.02). We found 0.70 times lower odds in uninsured as compared with privately and publicly insured women (95% CI 0.69 to 0.72).

Conclusions

CSs are less likely to be performed in uninsured women as compared with insured women. While the higher rates for CS among privately insured women can be explained with financial incentives associated with private insurance, the lower odds among uninsured women draw attention at barriers to access for delivery care. In many regions, the rates for uninsured women are above, close or below the benchmarks for appropriate CS rates and could imply both, underuse and overuse.
Ethical and social implications of using predictive modeling for Alzheimer’s disease prevention: a systematic literature review protocol
Authors: Angehrn Zuzanna , Nordon Clementine , Turner Andrew , Gove Dianne , Karcher Helene , Keenan Alexander , Neumann Monika , Sostar Jelena , de Reydet de Vulpillieres Frederic
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The therapeutic paradigm in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has shifted towards secondary prevention, defined as an intervention aiming to prevent or delay disease onset in pre-symptomatic individuals at risk of developing dementia due to AD. The key feature of AD prevention is the need to treat years or even decades before the onset of cognitive, behavioural or functional decline. Prediction of AD risk and evaluation of long-term treatment outcomes in this setting requires predictive modelling and is associated with ethical concerns and social implications. The objective of this review is to identify and elucidate them, as presented in the literature.

Methods and analysis

A systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, Embase, PsycInfo and Scopus, and was complemented with a grey literature search. All searches were conducted between March and July 2018. Two reviewers independently assessed each study for inclusion and disagreements were adjudicated by a third reviewer. Data are now being extracted using an extraction sheet developed within the group of reviewers, based on an initial sample of three manuscripts, but allowing for inclusion of newly identified data items (ethical arguments). Data will be analysed qualitatively using a thematic analysis technique. Potential biases in selection and interpretation of extracted data are mitigated by the fact that reviewers come from a range of different scientific backgrounds and represent different types of stakeholders in this ethical discussion (academia, industry, patient advocacy groups).

Ethics and dissemination

The study does not require ethical approval. The findings of the review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. They will also be reported through the Innovative Medicine Initiative project: Real World Outcomes Across the AD Spectrum for Better Care: Multi-modal Data Access Platform (IMI: ROADMAP).

Trial registration number

CRD42018092205.
Maintained physical activity and physiotherapy in the management of distal arm pain: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jones Gareth T , Macfarlane Gary J , Walker-Bone Karen , Burton Kim , Heine Peter , McCabe Candida , McNamee Paul , McConnachie Alex , Zhang Rachel , Whibley Daniel , Palmer Keith , Coggon David
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The epidemiology of distal arm pain and back pain are similar. However, management differs considerably: for back pain, rest is discouraged, whereas patients with distal arm pain are commonly advised to rest and referred to physiotherapy. We hypothesised that remaining active would reduce long-term disability and that fast-track physiotherapy would be superior to physiotherapy after time on a waiting list.

Methods

Adults referred to community-based physiotherapy with distal arm pain were randomised to: advice to remain active while awaiting physiotherapy (typically delivered after 6–8 weeks); advice to rest while awaiting physiotherapy, or immediate treatment. Intention-to-treat analysis determined whether the probability of recovery at 26 weeks was greater among the active advice group, compared with those advised to rest and/or among those receiving immediate versus usually timed physiotherapy.

Results

538 of 1663 patients invited between February 2012 and February 2014 were randomised (active=178; rest=182; immediate physiotherapy=178). 81% provided primary outcome data, and complete recovery was reported by 60 (44%), 46 (32%) and 53 (35%). Those advised to rest experienced a lower probability of recovery (OR: 0.54; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.90) versus advice to remain active. However, there was no benefit of immediate physiotherapy (0.64; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.07).

Conclusions

Among patients awaiting physiotherapy for distal arm pain, advice to remain active results in better 26-week functional outcome, compared with advice to rest. Also, immediate physiotherapy confers no additional benefit in terms of disability, compared with physiotherapy delivered after 6–8 weeks waiting time. These findings question current guidance for the management of distal arm pain.
Mitochondrial DNA in Siberian conifers indicates multiple postglacial colonization centers
Authors: Semerikov Vladimir L. , Semerikova Svetlana A. , Putintseva Yuliya A. , Oreshkova Natalia V. , Krutovsky Konstantin V.
Published: March 2019

The geographic variation of the mitochondrial DNA in Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) was studied using the newly developed markers and compared with the phylogeographic pattern of another previously studied Siberian conifer, Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.). Similar to Siberian larch, the distribution of mtDNA haplotypes in Siberian fir revealed clear differentiation among distinct geographic regions of southern Siberia and the Urals, likely indicating postglacial recolonization from several sources. The northern part of the range of both species was genetically homogeneous, which is probably due to its recent colonization from one of the glacial refugia. This conclusion is in agreement with published pollen and macrofossil data in Siberian fir and with the reconstruction of environmental niches indicating a dramatic reduction of the range and a likely survival of fir in certain southern areas during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), 21 thousand years ago. Although the modeling of the Siberian larch ecological niche reconstructed a shift of the range to the south at that period, the paleontological data indicated the presence of this species in most areas of the current range during LGM, which corresponds to the results of a previous historical demographic study suggesting that the population expansion preceding the LGM.
Improved pivot–slide model of the motion of a curling rock
Authors: Mancini Gaëtan , de Schoulepnikoff Laurent
Published: March 2019

The pivot–slide model (Shegelski and Lozowski) successfully predicts the slide and curl distances of a curling rock. However, in this model, there is no dependence of the curl distance on the initial velocity, because the ratio between the pivot to sliding times is constant. A refined model is presented, in which the ratio of the pivot to sliding times depends on the stone velocity via two parameters. Confidence limits for these parameters are deduced from experimental data, which show that the pivot–slide ratio depends on the stone velocity. However, precise values of these parameters could not be obtained with this study, as more precise experiment data are needed. The refined model allows one to qualitatively explain two characteristics of the stone trajectory observed in a curling game, namely the bigger final curl with lower initial velocity and the lower curl with the effect of sweeping the ice.
Experimental research on dynamic characteristics of viscous droplets impacting rough solid surfaces at different temperatures
Authors: Zhong Yuan , Du Haicun , Zhang Ying , Chen Yue , Liu Qiang , Huang Jie
Published: March 2019

In view of different factors that influence dynamic behavior of a droplet impacting a solid surface, high-speed photography technology was used to capture oscillation processes and splash forms after changing seven kinds of physical properties, droplets impacting different roughness and temperature walls, and with different velocities and sizes. A physical model was established, and the theoretical value correlation of maximum spreading factor was derived to compare the theoretical analysis with experimental results. The effects of viscosity, surface tension, impact velocity, diameter of droplet, roughness, and temperature of the substrates on movement characteristics during the droplet’s impact on the wall surface were investigated. As the research indicates, the rebound and oscillatory phenomena of the fluid become more obvious with an increase in surface tension, and viscous force restricts the spreading of droplets. The higher the impact velocity, the greater the spreading factor at the same time, and the more pronounced the splashing phenomenon will be. The growth rate of maximum spreading factor (βmax) increases at first and then decreases with increasing initial diameter (d0) of the droplets. The smaller the d0, the more consistent the experimental results with the analytical solutions. The equilibrium contact angle (θe) of the droplet increases with surface roughness (Ra), whereas the surface wettability degrades. θe decreases with rising wall temperature. The increase of Ra promotes the “finger-like edge” and the splash motion of droplets; moreover, the critical velocity of splash declines with Ra. The optimum temperature (Tc) of a droplet impacting the high-temperature wall reduces with a decrease of Re. Furthermore, the greater the difference between wall temperature and Tc, the more significantly βmax changes. Droplet spreading is hindered on the low-temperature wall, and the lower Re is, the smaller the decrease in amplitude of βmax with dropping wall temperature.