bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Recipient Site External Expansion in Fat Grafting Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Oranges Carlo M. , Striebel Julia , Tremp Mathias , Madduri Srinivas , Kalbermatten Daniel F. , Schaefer Dirk J.
Published: February 2018

Background:

The fat grafting process includes the 4 phases of tissue harvesting, processing, recipient-site preparation, and reinjection. Among them, the preparation of the recipient site has never been exhaustively reviewed. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods to prepare the recipient site through external expansion with the resulting outcomes.

Methods:

PubMed/Medline database was searched for studies on fat grafting recipient site preparation by applying the following algorithm: ((fat grafting) OR (lipofilling) OR (lipograft) AND (recipient site)). A priori criteria were used to review the resulting articles and identify those dealing with external expansion.

Results:

Fourteen studies published from 2008 through 2016 met inclusion criteria (4 case reports, 6 retrospective, and 4 prospective studies), representing 1,274 treated patients. Two devices for preexpansion were used with different protocols: BRAVA system and Kiwi VAC-6000M with a PalmPump. The 13 studies that applied the BRAVA system reported large fat volume transplantation to the breast (average > 200 cc). The most common complications were localized edema (14.2%), temporary bruising, and superficial skin blisters (11.3%), while the most serious was pneumothorax (0.5%). The majority of the studies reported enhancement of fat graft survival, which ranged between 53% and 82% at 6 months to 1 year follow-up, and high satisfaction of patients and surgeon.

Conclusions:

External expansion and fat grafting is a promising technique for breast reconstruction and augmentation. However, due to the overall low level of evidence of the available studies, further research is needed to validate the procedure.
Mechanisms of Glaucoma in Exfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Ozaki Mineo
Published: February 2018

The most important characteristic of exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is that it involves a greater risk of developing glaucoma. In comparison with other forms of open-angle glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma is more resistant to medical therapy and progresses faster. Possible pathologic mechanisms of glaucoma development in XFS comprise: (1) elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by functional impairment of aqueous humor outflow due to deposition of exfoliation material in the trabecular meshwork and trabecular cell dysfunction, (2) XFS-associated connective tissue elastosis leading to structural and functional alterations of the lamina cribrosa which increases the vulnerability toward elevated IOP and development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, (3) elevated IOP due to closure of the anterior chamber angle accompanied by forward displacement of the crystalline lens due to zonular weakness, (4) presumable primary functional impairment of retinal ganglion cells. In addition to the discovery of lysyl oxidase-like 1, further genetic associations have been identified and knowledge related to XFS etiology and pathophysiology has markedly increased over the past 10 years. Further cell biological investigations navigated by the molecular genetics underlying XFS will eventually lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms of exfoliation glaucoma.
Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Children With Neurologic Disorders and Their Siblings, July 2006 to June 2014
Authors: Havers Fiona P. , Fry Alicia M. , Peacock Georgina , Chen Jufu , Reed Carrie
Published: February 2018

Children with neurologic disorders are at high risk for influenza-associated complications. We identified 184,460 children 1–17 years of age with neurologic disorders and 204,966 siblings in a commercial insurance claims database from July 2006 to June 2014. Among children with neurologic disorders, coverage increased from 22.4% in 2006–2007 to 42.3% in 2013–2014, but remained suboptimal. A lower proportion of siblings were vaccinated.
Group B Streptococcal Cellulitis and Necrotizing Fasciitis in Infants
Authors: Wojtera Monika , Cheng Horace , Fiorini Kyle , Coughlin Kevin , Barton Michelle , Strychowsky Julie E.
Published: February 2018

Background:

There is no consensus regarding approaches to infantile group B streptococcal (GBS) head and neck cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis. We present a case of GBS necrotizing cellulitis and summarize the literature regarding the presentation and management of infantile head and neck GBS cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis.

Methods:

The literature was searched using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Medline (inception to April 2017) by 2 independent review authors. Inclusion criteria encompassed case reports or case series of infants less than 12 months of age with GBS cellulitis of the head and neck or with GBS necrotizing fasciitis without restriction to the head and neck. Data were extracted using tables developed a priori by 2 independent review authors, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

Results:

An infant presenting at 33 days of age with GBS facial necrotizing fasciitis was successfully treated conservatively with antibiotics. Our literature search identified 40 infants with GBS head and neck cellulitis. Late-onset (98%), male gender (65%) and prematurity (58%) predominated. Penicillin is the main therapy used (97%). The 12 identified cases of necrotizing fasciitis were associated with polymicrobial etiology (36%) and broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Seventy-five percent required debridement, including 4 of 5 (80%) cases involving the head and neck.

Conclusions:

Skin and soft tissue involvement is an uncommon manifestation of late-onset GBS infection which requires antibiotic therapy and possibly surgical debridement cases with necrotizing fasciitis.
Predictors of Topiramate Tolerability in Heavy Cannabis–Using Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Gray Joshua C. , Treloar Padovano Hayley , Wemm Stephanie E. , Miranda Robert
Published: February 2018

Purpose/Background

Cannabis is the most commonly abused illicit drug and accounts for the greatest number of adolescent substance abuse treatment admissions. Despite urgent need for effective interventions, the best available psychosocial treatment options yield only modest effects. Topiramate showed promise as an adjunctive pharmacotherapy to a psychosocial intervention for cannabis misuse among adolescents and young adults in a recent clinical trial, but it was not well tolerated. This study investigated associations between clinical characteristics and side effects and dropout among adolescents and young adults randomized to topiramate.

Methods

This study involved secondary data analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial of topiramate for treating cannabis misuse (ages, 15–24 years; 50% female). We explored the interaction effects of baseline characteristics and medication condition (topiramate vs placebo) on treatment dropout. We also explored the relationship between side effects and dropout.

Findings/Results

Higher cannabis problems were significantly associated with reduced hazard of dropout in the topiramate group (P= 0.048) and were nonsignificantly associated with increased hazard of dropout in the placebo group (P= 0.062). Results also showed that memory difficulties were an overwhelming predictor of dropout in the topiramate condition; 42% of participants who dropped out experienced memory difficulties, whereas none of those who remained in the study experienced these effects.

Implications/Conclusions

By identifying who may most benefit from and tolerate this medication, treatment for substance use disorders can become more individualized and positive outcomes may be enhanced.
Fecal Microbiota Differences According to the Risk of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasms
Authors: Yang Hyo-Joon , Kwon Min-Jung , Chang Yoosoo , Song Seul-Ki , Ahn Kwang-Sung , Kim Han-Na , Yun Yeojun , Kim Hyung-Lae , Park Dong Il
Published: February 2018

Goals and Background:

This study aimed to compare differences in the fecal microbiota according to the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) based on a risk-score model in a large Korean cohort.

Study:

Stool samples were collected from 1122 health screening recipients: 404 enrolled in the average risk (AR) group, 514 in the moderate risk (MR) group, and 204 in the high risk (HR) group, in accordance with their risk of ACN. The fecal microbiota was characterized using pyrosequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes.

Results:

The overall microbial diversity was significantly reduced with an increased risk of ACN [false discovery rate (FDR), P<0.001], and the composition was significantly different between the risk groups (Bonferroni corrected, P<0.05). On taxonomic comparison, 6 of 11 phyla and 39 of 88 genera were significantly different among the risk groups (all FDR P<0.05). These included under-representation of Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium, and over-representation of Prevotella and Fusobacterium with an increased risk of ACN. In particular, we observed that the unknown genus of Ruminococcaceae were relatively abundant (16.2%) in the AR group and significantly depleted with an increased risk of ACN (13.5% in the HR group; FDR P<0.001).

Conclusions:

These findings support the hypothesis that the fecal microbiota is different according to the risk of ACN. An unknown genus of Ruminococcaceae, as novel potential butyrate producers, might have a possible role in colorectal tumorigenesis in the Korean population.
Survival Following Tumor Recurrence in Children With Medulloblastoma
Authors: Johnston Donna L. , Keene Daniel , Strother Douglas , Taneva Maria , Lafay-Cousin Lucie , Fryer Chris , Scheinemann Katrin , Carret Anne-Sophie , Fleming Adam , Afzal Samina , Wilson Beverly , Bowes Lynette , Zelcer Shayna , Mpofu Chris , Silva Mariana , Larouche Valerie , Brossard Josee , Bouffet Eric
Published: February 2018

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Published survival rates for this tumor are ∼70%; however, there is limited published information on outcome after disease recurrence. This was an observational study which included all persons under the age of 18 years diagnosed with medulloblastoma from 1990 to 2009 inclusive in Canada. Data collected included date of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, sex, stage, pathology, treatment, recurrence, and current status. Survival rates were determined. In total, 550 cases were ascertained meeting the study criteria. The overall survival rate at 1 year was 83.6%±1.7%, at 3 years 77.2%±1.9%, and at 5 years 72.5%±20%. The progression-free survival rates were 78%±1.9%, 70%±2.1%, and 69±2.1% at 1, 3, and 5 years from initial diagnosis. In total, 173 (31.2%) were reported to have had tumor recurrence and 23 (11.4%) of them were alive at the time of survey with an overall survival rate at 1 year of 38.3%±4%, at 2 years of 16.9%±3.3%, and at 5 years of 12.4%±2.8%. Our data confirm that children with recurrent medulloblastoma have a poor prognosis, supporting the need for novel treatment approaches for this group.
Maternal Exposure to Pesticides, Paternal Occupation in the Army/Police Force, and CYP2D6*4 Polymorphism in the Etiology of Childhood Acute Leukemia
Authors: Ferri Giovanni M. , Guastadisegno Chiara M. , Intranuovo Graziana , Cavone Domenica , Birtolo Francesco , Cecinati Valerio , Pappalardi Brigida , Corsi Patrizia , Vimercati Luigi , Santoro Nicola
Published: February 2018

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that parental occupations, pesticide use, environmental factors, and genetic polymorphism are involved in the etiology of childhood acute leukemia (CAL). In total, 116 cases of CAL and 162 controls were recruited and submitted to blood drawing to assess the presence of genetic polymorphisms. Parental occupations, pesticides exposure, and other potential determinants were investigated. Increased risk for CAL was associated with prenatal maternal use of insecticides/rodenticides (odds ratio [OR]=1.87; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.04-3.33), with subjects living <100 m from pesticide-treated fields (OR=3.21; 95% CI, 1.37-7.53) and with a paternal occupation as traffic warden/policeman (OR=4.02; 95% CI, 1.63-9.87). Associations were found between CAL and genetic polymorphism ofCYP2D6*4for homozygous alleles (mutant type/mutant type: OR=6.39; 95% CI, 1.17-34.66). In conclusion, despite the small sample size, maternal prenatal exposure to pesticides, paternal occupation as a traffic warden/police officer, andCYP2D6*4polymorphism could play a role in the etiology of CAL.
Allogeneic Matched Related Donor Bone Marrow Transplantation for Pediatric Patients With Severe Aplastic Anemia Using “Low-dose” Cyclophosphamide, ATG Plus Fludarabine
Authors: Takpradit Chayamon , Prockop Susan E. , Kernan Nancy A. , Scaradavou Andromachi , Curran Kevin , Ruggiero Julianne , Zakak Nicole , O’Reilly Richard J. , Boulad Farid
Published: February 2018

Background:

The combination of cyclophosphamide (CY) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) has been used as a standard conditioning regimen for matched related donor transplantation in patients with severe aplastic anemia.

Procedure:

To decrease the regimen-related toxicity while maintaining appropriate engraftment and survival rates, fludarabine (FLU) was added to the regimen. Four pediatric patients received matched related donor bone marrow transplantation with CY (50 mg/kg×2) (instead of the 50 mg/kg×4 standard dosing), equine ATG (30 mg/kg×3), with the addition of FLU (30 mg/m2×4). Graft versus host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis included a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate.

Results:

No grade 4 acute toxicities occurred during the first 30 days after transplant. All patients engrafted with normalization of peripheral blood counts and transfusion independence. One patient developed grade 1 to 2 acute GvHD, followed by chronic GvHD that resolved. With a median follow-up of 41.7 months, all 4 patients are alive and transfusion free, with complete donor chimerism. This combination of a low-dose CY/ATG+FLU regimen was overall very well tolerated and contributed toward a successful outcome including engraftment, chimerism, and survival.

Conclusion:

This small pilot study shows that this cytoreductive regimen could be considered as the standard of care for transplantation of pediatric patients with aplastic anemia from HLA-matched siblings.
Parvovirus B19-associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient With Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Zečkanović Aida , Perovnik Matej , Jazbec Janez , Petrovec Miroslav , Pokorn Marko , Kavčič Marko
Published: February 2018

We report a case of a 12-year-old male with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency presenting with clinical signs of sepsis and pancytopenia. Investigations revealed parvovirus B19 (PVB19)-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The patient recovered fully and quickly with symptomatic treatment. Current evidence suggests that PVB19-associated HLH has a favorable prognosis. Mild undiagnosed cases of HLH may be the cause of pancytopenia in PVB19 infections.
Cup-like Blasts in 2 Pediatric Patients With NPM-1-Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Tüfekçi Özlem , Erdem Melek , Ören Hale , Yilmaz Şebnem
Published: February 2018

Cup-like phenotype is defined in some subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and have been associated with NPM-1 and/or FLT3-ITD positivity in the presence of normal karyotype in >60% of patients. Herein we present two pediatric AML-M1 patients with cuplike nuclear morphology and NPM-1 positivity. Both patients were negative for FLT3-ITD mutation. NPM-1 mutation and FLT3-ITD mutation should be kept in mind in AML patients with cup-like blast morphology as these two mutations are important molecular markers for prognosis, risk group classification and also for response to treatment.
Case Report: Invalidation of the Farnsworth D15 Test in Dichromacy Secondary to Practice
Authors: Ng Jason S. , Morton Warren A.
Published: February 2018

SIGNIFICANCE

The Farnsworth D15 test can be subverted by patients even with severe red-green color deficiency.

PURPOSE

To describe a case showing that perfect performance on the Farnsworth D15 is possible after practicing the test.

CASE REPORT

A 23-year-old man presented for a comprehensive color vision evaluation. He had only minor complaints with regard to color vision and otherwise normal vision and ocular health. Based on anomaloscope findings, he was diagnosed with protanopia, a form of dichromacy in which the patient does not have any functional L cones, only S and M cones. The patient practiced the Farnsworth D15 test and returned for a follow-up visit in which he performed the test perfectly four times (i.e., twice in the regular order and twice using cap 15 as the pilot cap). In addition, the patient returned a year later and again performed the test perfectly, indicating long-term learning.

CONCLUSIONS

All studies to date have shown that patients with dichromacy fail the Farnsworth D15 test. This case report shows that it is indeed possible for highly motivated patients to subvert the test through practice, and knowledge of this possibility is very important, especially in occupational testing.
Subjective Ratings and Satisfaction in Contact Lens Wear
Authors: Diec Jennie , Naduvilath Thomas , Tilia Daniel
Published: February 2018

SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows satisfaction in contact lens (CL) wear is influenced by both comfort and vision. Eighty-six percent of participants were willing to continue with trial CL wear if satisfied with both comfort and vision, dropping to 50% if either variable was unsatisfactory and 0% if both were unsatisfactory.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between subjective ratings and satisfaction with CL wear.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of two daily-disposable CL trials (delefilcon A, somofilcon A) on participants 40 years or younger followed over 3 months. Subjective ratings (numerical rating scale 1 to 10, 1-point step) collected at visits following baseline (2 weeks, 1 and 3 months) included comfort (insertion, during day, end of day), vision clarity, and binary response for satisfaction with comfort and vision (yes/no). Willingness to continue with trial CL was obtained at completion.

RESULTS

There was no significant association of comfort on insertion with comfort satisfaction (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; P = .30); however, comfort during day (OR, 2.1; P < .001) and end of day (OR, 3.4; P < .001) was associated with comfort satisfaction. For comfort during day ratings of at least 8/10 and end of day of at least 6/10, 90% of participants were considered satisfied. There was a 14% increase in participants satisfied with comfort for each unit increase on the numerical rating scale from ratings of 3 to 8 for comfort during day and a 20% increase from ratings of 3 to 7 for comfort end of day. The percentage of satisfied participants reached its maximum at a lower end of day rating (8/10) compared with during day (10/10). The percentage of participants satisfied with vision reached its maximum (100%) at a vision rating of 9/10.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfaction in CL wear is influenced by both comfort and vision. A higher rating for comfort during the day compared with end of day is necessary for participants to attain satisfaction.
Accommodative Function in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Anketell Pamela M. , Saunders Kathryn J. , Gallagher Stephen M. , Bailey Clare , Little Julie-Anne
Published: February 2018

SIGNIFICANCE

Accommodative responses were significantly poorer in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with age-matched typically developing control subjects, and hypoaccommodation was associated with reduced near visual acuity (NVA) and convergence.

PURPOSE

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a reported prevalence of 1.1 to 1.5%. Accommodative dysfunction has been noted in other developmental conditions including cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate how accommodative accuracy and near visual function in ASD compared with typically developing control subjects.

METHODS

This study investigated accommodative function in children with ASD, in conjunction with other vision measures with habitual refractive corrections. Accommodative accuracy was assessed using modified Nott dynamic retinoscopy. Individual accommodative demand and response were calculated incorporating residual refractive error (difference between cycloplegic and habitual refractive state). Near visual measures included NVA, near point of convergence, fusional reserves, and stereoacuity. Cycloplegic autorefraction confirmed refractive error.

RESULTS

Accommodative responses were measured from 124 participants with ASD (6 to 17 years old) and 204 age-matched control subjects. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of residual refractive error between groups (P = .10). The prevalence of a clinically significant lag of accommodation was greater in the ASD group compared with control subjects (ASD = 17.4%, control subjects = 4.9%, χ2 = 13.04, P < .0001). Near visual acuity was significantly reduced in the ASD group with a clinically significant lag of accommodation (P < .01). A few participants (n = 24 control subjects, n = 14 ASD) had uncorrected or undercorrected refractive errors (spherical equivalent refractive error ≥+2.00 D, >1.00 DC), and when these were removed from analysis, there was still an increased prevalence of hypoaccommodation in ASD (14.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with ASD were significantly more likely to have accommodative deficits (and associated near visual deficits) in their presenting refractive state than typically developing children. Appraisal of refractive error, accommodation, and NVA should be considered in visual assessment of children with ASD.
Emotional Modulation of Pain and Spinal Nociception in Sexual Assault Survivors
Authors: Hellman Natalie , Kuhn Bethany L. , Lannon Edward W. , Payne Michael F. , Sturycz Cassandra A. , Palit Shreela , Shadlow Joanna O. , Rhudy Jamie L.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Sexual assault (SA) is associated with an increased risk for chronic pain and affective distress. Given that emotional processes modulate pain (e.g., negative emotions enhance pain, positive emotions inhibit pain), increased pain risk in SA survivors could stem from a disruption of emotional modulation processes.

Methods

A well-validated affective picture-viewing paradigm was used to study emotional modulation of pain in 33 healthy, pain-free SA survivors and a control group of 33 healthy, pain-free individuals with no reported history of SA (matched on age, sex, race, and number of non-SA traumas). Unpleasant (mutilation), neutral, and pleasant (erotic) pictures were presented, while painful electrocutaneous stimulations were delivered at the ankle. Pain intensity ratings and nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) magnitudes (a physiologic measure of spinal nociception) were recorded in response to electric stimuli. Multilevel models were used to analyze the data with group (SA versus non-SA) and content (mutilation, neutral, erotic) as independent variables.

Results

Both groups demonstrated similar emotional modulation of pain (FGroupbyContent(2,646.52) = 0.44,p= .65), but a main effect of group (FGroup(1,65.42) = 4.24,p= .043) indicated the SA group experienced more overall pain from electric stimuli (hyperalgesia). A significant group by content interaction for NFR (p= .035) indicated that emotional modulation of NFR was present for the non-SA group (FContentSimpleEffect(2,684.55) = 12.43,p< .001), but not the SA group (FContentSimpleEffect(2,683.38) = 1.71,p= .18).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SA survivors have difficulty emotionally engaging brain-to-spinal cord mechanisms to modulate spinal nociception. A disruption of descending inhibition plus hyperalgesia could contribute to comorbidity between sexual trauma and chronic pain.
Activation of Sigma-1 Receptor by Cutamesine Attenuates Neuronal Apoptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Asphyxia Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Qin Jiahong , Wang Peng , Li Yi , Yao Lan , Liu Yuanshan , Yu Tao , Lin Jiali , Fang Xiangshao , Huang Zitong
Published: February 2018

Background:

Global cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury after cardiac arrest (CA) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in survivors of resuscitation. We utilized a rat model of asphyxia CA to explore the functional effects and mechanisms of Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) activation in cerebral protection using the Sig-1R agonist cutamesine (SA-4503).

Methods:

After resuscitation, the surviving rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 18 each): the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) group (0.9% saline at 1 mL/kg); the SA4503 low-dose group (1 mg/kg SA4503); and the SA4503 high-dose group (2.5 mg/kg SA4503). The neurological deficit scores were recorded, and the cerebral cortex was harvested for western blotting. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial ultrastructure were also studied.

Results:

The SA4503 treatment groups exhibited improved neurological outcomes compared with the CPR group. The protein levels of caspase-3 and the endoplasmic reticulum stress markers C/EBP homologous protein and caspase-12 were lower in the SA4503 treatment groups compared with the CPR group. SA4503 treatment also normalized mitochondrial membrane potential, tissue ATP concentrations, intracellular Ca2+ overload, and upregulated Sig-1R protein level compared with the CPR group. The SA4503 high dose treatment showed significant cerebral protective effects compared with the SA4503 low dose treatment. The therapeutic effect of SA4503 was dose-dependent.

Conclusions:

CA downregulated Sig-1R protein expression. Activating Sig-1R using SA4503 protected against global cerebral I/R injury in a rat model of asphyxia CA by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually inhibiting neuronal apoptosis.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Ampullaviridae
Authors: Prangishvili David , Krupovic Mart ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: February 2018

The family Ampullaviridae includes viruses with linear dsDNA genomes that replicate in hyperthermophilic archaea from the genus Acidianus. The virions have a unique champagne bottle-shaped morphology and consist of a nucleoprotein filament condensed into a cone-shaped core, which is encased by an envelope, with the base of the ‘bottle’ decorated with a ring of 20 filaments. Genome replication is presumably carried out by the virus-encoded protein-primed family B DNA polymerase. The bottle-shaped morphology is unprecedented among viruses of bacteria and eukaryotes and represents a group of archaea-specific virion morphotypes. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Ampullaviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/ampullaviridae.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Guttaviridae
Authors: Prangishvili David , Mochizuki Tomohiro , Krupovic Mart ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: February 2018

Guttaviridae is a family of enveloped viruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea. The virions are ovoid or droplet-shaped, with a diameter of 55–80 nm and a length of 75–130 nm. The genome is a circular dsDNA molecule of around 14–20 kbp. The droplet-shaped morphology is unprecedented among viruses of bacteria and eukaryotes and represents a group of archaea-specific virion morphotypes. The family includes two genera, Alphaguttavirus and Betaguttavirus, each with a single species. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of Guttaviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/guttaviridae.
Genome analysis of clinical multilocus sequence Type 11 Klebsiella pneumoniae from China
Authors: Dong Ning , Zhang Rong , Liu Lizhang , Li Ruichao , Lin Dachuan , Chan Edward Wai-Chi , Chen Sheng
Published: February 2018

The increasing prevalence of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in clinical settings has been largely attributed to dissemination of organisms of specific multilocus sequence types, such as ST258 and ST11. Compared with the ST258 clone, which is prevalent in North America and Europe, ST11 is common in China but information regarding its genetic features remains scarce. In this study, we performed detailed genetic characterization of ST11 K. pneumoniae strains by analyzing whole-genome sequences of 58 clinical strains collected from diverse geographic locations in China. The ST11 genomes were found to be highly heterogeneous and clustered into at least three major lineages based on the patterns of single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Exhibiting five different capsular types, these ST11 strains were found to harbor multiple resistance and virulence determinants such as the bla
KPC-2 gene, which encodes carbapenemase, and the yersiniabactin-associated virulence genes irp, ybt and fyu. Moreover, genes encoding the virulence factor aerobactin and the regulator of the mucoid phenotype (rmpA) were detectable in six genomes, whereas genes encoding salmochelin were found in three genomes. In conclusion, our data indicated that carriage of a wide range of resistance and virulence genes constitutes the underlying basis of the high level of prevalence of ST11 in clinical settings. Such findings provide insight into the development of novel strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of K. pneumoniae infections.
A meiotic XPF–ERCC1-like complex recognizes joint molecule recombination intermediates to promote crossover formation
Authors: De Muyt Arnaud , Pyatnitskaya Alexandra , Andréani Jessica , Ranjha Lepakshi , Ramus Claire , Laureau Raphaëlle , Fernandez-Vega Ambra , Holoch Daniel , Girard Elodie , Govin Jérome , Margueron Raphaël , Couté Yohann , Cejka Petr , Guérois Raphaël , Borde Valérie
Published: February 2018

Meiotic crossover formation requires the stabilization of early recombination intermediates by a set of proteins and occurs within the environment of the chromosome axis, a structure important for the regulation of meiotic recombination events. The molecular mechanisms underlying and connecting crossover recombination and axis localization are elusive. Here, we identified the ZZS (Zip2–Zip4–Spo16) complex, required for crossover formation, which carries two distinct activities: one provided by Zip4, which acts as hub through physical interactions with components of the chromosome axis and the crossover machinery, and the other carried by Zip2 and Spo16, which preferentially bind branched DNA molecules in vitro. We found that Zip2 and Spo16 share structural similarities to the structure-specific XPF–ERCC1 nuclease, although it lacks endonuclease activity. The XPF domain of Zip2 is required for crossover formation, suggesting that, together with Spo16, it has a noncatalytic DNA recognition function. Our results suggest that the ZZS complex shepherds recombination intermediates toward crossovers as a dynamic structural module that connects recombination events to the chromosome axis. The identification of the ZZS complex improves our understanding of the various activities required for crossover implementation and is likely applicable to other organisms, including mammals.
Exploratory study of academic excellence associated with persistence in ODL setting
Authors: Sembiring Maximus Gorky
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study observes that academic excellence associated with satisfaction leads to persistence, loyalty and future careers as perceived by students in an open distance learning framework. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the influences of academic excellence as the origin of satisfaction, and how and in which routines those associated factors were interconnected.

Design/methodology/approach

The inquiry employed the mixed-methods (exploratory design) approach. It was qualitatively identified first that academic excellence included student orientation, academic counseling, learning materials, tutorial supports, evaluation systems, feedback mechanisms and referral schemes. These seven factors had repercussions on students’ persistence, loyalty and future careers. Quantitatively, seven factors of academic excellence and the latter are independent and dependent variables, respectively. Respondents were randomly selected to accumulate data through a survey from the overseas students of Universitas Terbuka Indonesia. Importance-performance analysis and customer-satisfaction index were concurrently applied to measure the excellence level and its importance degree. Ten hypotheses were established and then examined using structural equation modeling to encapsulate the interrelations intensity among the engaged factors.

Findings

Eight out of ten hypotheses were statistically validated by the analysis excluding tutorial supports and feedback mechanisms factors. It was inferred that evaluation systems were the most critical factor and orderly followed by referral schemes, academic counseling, learning materials and student orientation. Academic excellence had an impact on persistence and loyalty, followed by career advancement.

Originality/value

The study identified minor disparity of qualitative and quantitative results. Further query with wider perspectives was needed by also enlarging the sample to minimize the gaps.
Persuading student involvement via peripheral services offered
Authors: Dassanayake Hansani Chathurika , Nishantha Busige , Senevirathne Asanka
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of peripheral services offered by distance education (DE) institutes on student involvement in DE and, examine whether this impact is mediated by student experience quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach based on cross-sectional survey design was used where data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sample consisted of 400 undergraduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka, drawn using simple random sampling technique. Collected data were analyzed using the structural equation model.

Findings

Data analysis revealed that there is a significant direct impact of peripheral services offered by DE institutes on student involvement in the Sri Lankan context. Furthermore, it is validated that this impact is mediated by student experience quality.

Research limitations/implications

Focus of the study is only on the impact of contextual elements rather than personal or demographic factors of students which can have an important impact on their experience quality as well as involvement.

Practical implications

Findings are useful in designing and redesigning service offering and policy development by DE institutes to make their services more appealing.

Originality/value

Even though previous studies have identified student dropout and lower academic excellence as issues in DE, how service offering can be used to overcome them via student involvement has not received considerable attention. Hence, the tested conceptual model developed on multiple theories is a novel contribution to the existing knowledge base.
Conceptions of learning in technology-enhanced learning environments
Authors: Tsai Chin-Chung
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this papers is to provide an overview of how students and teachers in Taiwan conceptualize learning, especially in technology-enhanced learning environments. Their conceptions of learning reveal the extent to which the prevalence of technological use in education has facilitated students to cultivate a more advanced conception of learning and develop a deeper learning approach.

Design/methodology/approach

It reviews a total of nine relevant case studies, covering the contexts of conventional schools (from elementary schools to college, and cram schools) as well as technology-enhanced environments (internet-assisted learning and mobile learning); and participants from Grade 2 students to adult learners as well as teachers. Their conceptions of learning and preferred learning approaches are summarized.

Findings

Results of the studies show the Taiwanese students’ and teachers’ conceptions of learning in general and of technology-enhanced learning in particular. The students tended to be passive learners to receive instructions and considered examinations as a short-term goal for their study, with surface learning approaches commonly adopted. Despite technology may help to promote their cultivation of a more sophisticated conception of learning, many of them still opted for rote memorization and practice as the major ways to study. The potentials of technology in enhancing learning thus have not been fully realized.

Originality/value

The results shed light on an Asian-specific educational culture which is exam oriented. They reveal the challenges regarding the use of technology in education, which hinder the promotion of students’ advanced conceptions of learning. They also highlight the directions of future work to create a more accessible and gratifying technology-enhanced environment.
Going public in Mexico
Authors: Adamúz María de las Mercedes , Rivas José Luis
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect the likelihood of being public using a comprehensive database of private and public companies in Mexico, from all sectors, during 2006-2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate a longitudinal probit model to identify theex antecharacteristics of public Mexican firms that differentiate them from those Mexican firms that continue to remain private.

Findings

The authors find that larger, younger and less levered Mexican firms are more likely to be public in Mexico. They additionally test the influence of market conditions and location on the probability of being public. They find that location matters but they find no evidence that initial public offerings (IPOs) are driven by favorable Mexican market conditions.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the Mexican and international literature on IPOs because it uses an original database built from information of private and public Mexican firms. The study contributes to a better understanding of the determinants of the decision of going public in Mexico.
Spanish women’s career inhibitors: 2007-2017
Authors: de Anca Celia , Aragón Salvador
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore inhibitors preventing Spanish women from attaining positions of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach based on focus groups and structured personal interviews on 42 Spanish male and female executives, the study tests the main gender normative expectations applicable to specific work and personal roles.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is a significant consensus about the existence of traditional and emerging models. Research also suggests there are still clear gaps between traditional and emerging roles that are easily identified and recognized. Contrary to expectations, the research suggests there is no a clear model of emerging gender roles, and instead considerable diversity in the construction of individual aspirational models.

Research limitations

This is a first exploratory research limited to a reduced sample in the Spanish context. To confirm the findings, the research will benefit from a quantitative approach based on larger samples. Moreover, additional surveys in different cultural contexts will provide a broader understanding of the proposed research questions.

Practical implications

The gender gap framework can enable policy makers to correctly diagnose the barriers women face in their professional lives and to come up with efficient instruments to correct existing inequalities.

Originality/value

The principal contribution of this paper is that it provides important insights into traditional and aspirational gender gaps that constitute one important internal barrier for women’s development.
Corporate governance and firm performance in Latin America: a meta-analysis
Authors: Maranho Flávia Schwartz , Leal Ricardo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The relationship between the role played by corporate governance (CG) mechanisms and shareholder wealth is an important and mature topic in some countries and regions. However, despite the considerable number of studies, the results are still inconclusive. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate around the theme in Latin America through a meta-analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used meta-analytic procedures to review 42 articles produced by researchers from Latin American countries, whose samples were composed of Latin American firms.

Findings

The results suggest that CG best practices are associated with better Latin American firm performance. The evidence also suggests that results are moderated by the characteristics of boards of directors, the ownership, and control structure and various simultaneous CG mechanisms, through broad indices and special CG trading segments.

Originality/Value

The relationship between GC and firm performance possesses certain peculiarities in the case of Latin American countries and the literature on the region is certainly not as abundant and mature. As most of the articles reviewed were written in Portuguese and Spanish and published in local journals, the consolidation produced should also be useful for researchers throughout the world by enabling them to access their ideas.
Ownership structure and bank performance in EU-15 countries
Authors: Migliardo Carlo , Forgione Antonio Fabio
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ownership structure on bank performance in EU-15 countries. Specifically, it examines to what extent shareholder type and the degree of shareholder concentration affect the banks’ profitability, risk and technical efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 1,459 banks operating in EU-15 countries from 2011 to 2015. It constructs a set of continuous variables capturing the ownership nature, the concentration and their interactions, and estimates an instrumental variable random effect (IV-RE) model. In addition, a panel data stochastic frontier analysis is conducted to estimate the time-varying technical efficiency for profitability and costs.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows that bank performance is affected by shareholder type. When regressed against the entrenchment behavior of the controlling owner hypothesis, banks with large-block shareholders are more profitable, less risky and more profit efficient. Further, ownership concentration reverts the negative effect related to the institutional, bank and industry ownership.

Research limitations/implications

The results support the hypothesis that concentrated ownership helps to overcome agency problems. They also confirm that managerial involvement in banks’ capital enhances a bank’s profit and its volatility.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to consider the ownership nature, the concentration and their interaction using continuous variables, which allows for more precise inferences. The results provide new evidence that bank profitability, cost efficiency and risk are affected by the type of direct shareholders.
Corporate governance and tax disclosure phenomenon in the Malaysian listed companies
Authors: Mgammal Mahfoudh Hussein , Bardai Barjoyai , Ku Ismail Ku Nor Izah
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of corporate governance internal mechanisms on tax disclosure in non-financial firms in Malaysia. Managerial ownership and incentive compensation are used as proxies to reflect corporate governance conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses panel data set to analyse 286 non-financial listed companies on Bursa Malaysia for the years 2010-2012. Tax disclosure was gathered from the financial statements, particularly in the consolidated of tax expenses. Tax disclosure was measured using modified effective tax rate reconciling items. Multivariate statistical analyses were run on the sample data.

Findings

This study finds that managerial ownership and incentive compensation do not significantly influence tax disclosure. On the other hand, it is found that there are significant positive associations between each of firm size and industry dummy, and tax disclosure. This means that company-specific characteristics are important factors affecting corporate tax disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the work of previous studies by suggesting that the signalling theory and the agency theory are the main theories concerned with tax disclosure and corporate governance. The authors add an additional appreciation of the contribution of corporate governance from the interested parties’ tax disclosure evaluation in the Malaysian environment.

Practical implications

The evidence found by this study has important policy and practical knowledge implications for the authorities, researchers, decisionmakers and firm managers. The findings provide them with some relevant insights on the importance of corporate governance practices from the companies’ perspectives and contribute to the discussion of who verifies and deduces from tax disclosure directed by companies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to examine the influence of the corporate governance internal mechanisms on tax disclosure in a developing nation like Malaysia. Although this paper focuses on a single country, it contributes significantly to the debate about tax disclosure in relation to “comply or explain”, as suggested in the Code of Corporate Governance. This study shows that companies are trying to avoid as far as possible disclosing tax-related information.
Comparison of honor killings to anti-LGBTQ homicides
Authors: Henry Tri Keah , Hayes Brittany E. , Freilich Joshua D. , Chermak Steven
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the role honor and shame play in honor killings and anti-LGBTQ homicides by identifying similarities and differences across these two homicide types.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from the US Extremist Crime Database (ECDB). Data for each of the incidents included in the ECDB are gathered from various open sources through a multi-stage process. A total of 16 honor killings and 21 anti-LGBTQ cases (i.e. the universe for both groups) are examined in this analysis. A closed-coded analysis technique is utilized to assess each case for evidence of shame and honor as well as an iterative coding process to identify sub-categories within these broader themes.

Findings

Results indicate that shame and honor play important roles in both honor killings and anti-LGBTQ homicides, although their influence manifests differently across these two types of homicide. Perceived shame to the family is most closely related to honor killings, while suppressing homosexual urges underlines anti-LGBTQ homicides. Violations of religious tenets, protection of masculinity, and protection of honor are evidenced in both types of homicide.

Originality/value

This study uses a unique database to examine the ideological motivations of individuals who perpetrate extremist crimes in comparison to those who commit honor killings. Findings may inform forensic practices, including rehabilitation and prevention programs.