bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to attenuate the effects of abusive supervision on knowledge hiding: the neutralizing roles of coworker support and individual characteristics
Authors: Hao Qi , Wei Kou , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to theoretically discuss and empirically test the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion (EE) and the moderating effects of perceived coworker support (PCS) and positive affectivity (PA) in the relationship between abusive supervision (AS) and knowledge hiding (KH).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a three-wave survey to collect data from eight high-tech companies in north China. The final sample of 209 available responses was analyzed with hierarchical regression analyses and bias-corrected bootstrapping methods.

Findings

AS positively affected employees’ KH. EE fully mediated this positive relationship. PCS and PA attenuated the relationship between AS and EE, respectively, and the mediating effects of EE.

Originality/value

First, the study contributes to the knowledge management and leadership literature by examining the relationship between the following two dysfunctional workplace behaviors: AS and KH. Second, the authors explicitly tested the underlying psychological mechanism in the above relationship. Third, this study specified two ways – obtaining support from coworkers and generating positive emotions – to attenuate the toxic effects of AS on victims.
The financing of uncertain future investments
Authors: Yaghoubi Mona , Keefe Michael O’Connor
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of two important financing sources, debt and cash, on a firm’s investment decisions and explores the intertemporal impact of this financing on future investment volatility.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first reports our results using ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation and then employ an instrumental variable (IV) strategy which addresses potential endogeneity that arises from future investment volatility on current capital structure and cash levels.

Findings

This paper finds firms with low levels of debt or high levels of cash experience higher future investment volatility, and the probability of large future investment increases with high cash levels. This study’s findings are economically important; for example, a one-standard-deviation increase from the mean of debt ratio implies an approximate 7.8% decrease in future investment volatility; and a one-standard-deviation increase from the mean of a firm’s cash level leads to a 47% increase in the probability of a large investment in the next year.

Originality/value

The findings of this study help firms understand the impact of their present financing decisions on the plausibility of their future investments. This paper contributes to the literature by making both novel and confirmatory findings. This paper was structured to include confirmatory findings for two reasons. First, this paper uses different methods to construct investment volatility and the related investment spike. Second, and more importantly, the hypotheses are interrelated and communicate how firms plan for and execute against uncertain future investments. Growth options are ephemeral, and the hypotheses structure provides a guideline for how a firm finances future growth options.
Adapted guided self-help booklets for supporting the well-being of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: an evaluation of impact
Authors: Maguire Roseann , Pert Carol , Baines Susannah , Gillooly Amanda , Hastings Richard P. , Hatton Chris , Dagnan Dave , Jahoda Andrew
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic meant that it became impossible for many individuals with intellectual disability to access specialist mental health support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of guided self-help resources adapted for delivery on an outreach basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The use and impact of the resources were evaluated through: data about downloads and requests for printed materials; interviews with individuals who used the resources; webinars with organisations; family members and support workers who had delivered the resources and an online survey with individuals who had delivered the resources.

Findings

The resources had considerable reach, with over 12,555 printed copies requested from across Scotland. The materials were perceived to be relevant and useful, helping individuals to talk about difficulties and to be aware that others were facing similar challenges.

Originality/value

The findings highlight the potential long-term value of guided self-help resources to help promote well-being that can be delivered on an outreach basis by family members and social care organisations.
Biogeography of Southern Ocean prokaryotes: a comparison of the Indian and Pacific sectors
Authors: Sow Swan L. S. , Brown Mark V. , Clarke Laurence J. , Bissett Andrew , van de Kamp Jodie , Trull Thomas W. , Raes Eric J. , Seymour Justin R. , Bramucci Anna R. , Ostrowski Martin , Boyd Philip W. , Deagle Bruce E. , Pardo Paula C. , Sloyan Bernadette M. , Bodrossy Levente
Published: January 2022

We investigated the Southern Ocean (SO) prokaryote community structure via zero‐radius operational taxonomic unit (zOTU) libraries generated from 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 223 full water column profiles. Samples reveal the prokaryote diversity trend between discrete water masses across multiple depths and latitudes in Indian (71–99°E, summer) and Pacific (170–174°W, autumn‐winter) sectors of the SO. At higher taxonomic levels (phylum‐family) we observed water masses to harbour distinct communities across both sectors, but observed sectorial variations at lower taxonomic levels (genus‐zOTU) and relative abundance shifts for key taxa such as Flavobacteria, SAR324/Marinimicrobia, Nitrosopumilus and Nitrosopelagicus at both epi‐ and bathy‐abyssopelagic water masses. Common surface bacteria were abundant in several deep‐water masses and vice‐versa suggesting connectivity between surface and deep‐water microbial assemblages. Bacteria from same‐sector Antarctic Bottom Water samples showed patchy, high beta‐diversity which did not correlate well with measured environmental parameters or geographical distance. Unconventional depth distribution patterns were observed for key archaeal groups: Crenarchaeota was found across all depths in the water column and persistent high relative abundances of common epipelagic archaeon Nitrosopelagicus was observed in deep‐water masses. Our findings reveal substantial regional variability of SO prokaryote assemblages that we argue should be considered in wide‐scale SO ecosystem microbial modelling.
Evaluating the belt and road initiative effects on trade and migration: Evidence from the East African community
Authors: Dumor Koffi , Li Yao , Yongkai Ma , Ampaw Enock Mintah , Dumor Hafez Komla
Published: January 2022

This paper uses the new panel data structural gravity equations to examine the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative in two dimensions, namely trade and migration on participating countries. By leveraging the Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood estimator with fixed‐effects to address both endogeneity and omitted variables, our results highlighted the importance of accounting for the regional economic integration in Africa, Europe, and Asia. The model assesses 65 countries, including 30 sub‐Saharan economies from the period 2000–2018. The findings of our study indicate that migration has a significant impact on the flow of bilateral trade. We also observed that the East African Community regional trade agreements have a significant negative effect on intra‐blocs trade under the Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore, a comprehensive policy agenda needs to be developed to enhance migration and trade‐promoting policies among the participating economies of Africa to engender African growth from a win‐win perspective.
Fear and fainting in Luanda: paranoid politics and the problem of interpretative authority in Angola
Authors: Schubert Jon
Published: January 2022

This article unpacks the events and reactions surrounding a mysterious ‘fainting wave’ that swept through Angolan middle and high schools from early 2011 on. By attending to the historicity and materiality of the fainting wave, the article investigates why the strong conviction took root of a dark political intentionality behind this inexplicable phenomenon, and why this conspiratorial interpretation prevailed over alternative explanations of a more psychological or spiritual bent. Through this, the article contributes to disaggregating the seemingly monolithic, neo‐authoritarian Angolan state. More importantly, it points to the limitations of analyses pivoting on an idea of opposing rationalities, while at the same time demonstrating how historically attuned, deep ethnography can help us overcome the limits of more ‘scientistic’ psychological explanations.
LGBTQ2S+ childbearing individuals and perinatal mental health: A systematic review
Authors: Kirubarajan Abirami , Barker Lucy C. , Leung Shannon , Ross Lori E. , Zaheer Juveria , Park Bomi , Abramovich Alex , Yudin Mark H. , Lam June Sing Hong
Published: January 2022

Background

The perinatal period may uniquely impact the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and Two‐Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) childbearing individuals.

Objectives

To characterise and synthesise the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ childbearing individuals regarding perinatal mental health, including symptomatology, access to care and care‐seeking.

Search strategy

We conducted and reported a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines of eight databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE‐OVID, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science: Core Collection, Sociological Abstracts, Social Work Abstract, and PsycINFO) from inception to 1 March 2021.

Selection criteria

Original, peer‐reviewed research related to LGBTQ2S+ mental health was eligible for inclusion if the study was specific to the perinatal period (defined as pregnancy planning, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and first year postpartum; includes miscarriages, fertility treatments and surrogacy).

Data collection and analysis

Findings were synthesised qualitatively via meta‐aggregation using the Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information (JBI SUMARI), and the ConQual approach.

Main results

Our systematic search included 26 eligible studies encompassing 1199 LGBTQ2S+ childbearing participants. Using the JBI SUMARI approach, we reported 65 results, which we synthesised as six key findings. The studies described unique considerations for LGBTQ2S+ individuals’ perinatal mental health, including heteronormativity, cisnormativity, isolation, exclusion from traditional pregnancy care, stigma, and distressing situations from the gendered nature of pregnancy. Many participants described a lack of knowledge from healthcare providers related to care for LGBTQ2S+ individuals. In addition, LGBTQ2S+ individuals described barriers to accessing mental healthcare and gaps in health systems. Strategies to improve care include provider education, avoidance of gendered language, documentation of correct pronouns, trauma‐informed practices, cultural humility training and tailored care for LGBTQ2S+ people.

Conclusions

Pregnancy, postpartum, and the perinatal period uniquely impacts the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ2S+individuals, largely due to systems‐level inequities and exclusion from perinatal care. Healthcare providers should implement the identified strategies to improve perinatal care and address inequities.
New PET/CT criterion for predicting lymph node metastasis in resectable advanced (stage IB‐III) lung cancer: The standard uptake values ratio of ipsilateral/contralateral hilar nodes
Authors: Kameyama Komei , Imai Kazuhiro , Ishiyama Koichi , Takashima Shinogu , Kuriyama Shoji , Atari Maiko , Ishii Yoshiaki , Kobayashi Akihito , Takahashi Shugo , Kobayashi Mirai , Harata Yuzu , Sato Yusuke , Motoyama Satoru , Hashimoto Manabu , Nomura Kyoko , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of the present study was to use surgical and histological results to develop a simple noninvasive technique to improve nodal staging using preoperative PET/CT in patients with resectable lung cancer.

Methods

Preoperative PET/CT findings (pStage IB–III 182 patients) and pathological diagnoses after surgical resection were evaluated. Using PET/CT images to determine the standardized uptake value (SUV) ratio, the SUVmax of a contralateral hilar lymph node (on the side of the chest opposite to the primary tumor) was measured simultaneously. The I/C‐SUV ratio was calculated as ipsilateral hilar node SUV/contralateral hilar node SUV. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then used to analyze those data.

Results

Based on ROC analyses, the cutoff I/C‐SUV ratio for diagnosis of lymph node metastasis was 1.34. With a tumor ipsilateral lymph node SUVmax ≥2.5, an IC‐SUV ratio ≥1.34 had the highest accuracy for predicting N1/N2 metastasis; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of nodal staging were 60.66, 85.11, 84.09, 62.5 and 71.29%, respectively.

Conclusions

When diagnosing nodal stage, a lymph node I/C‐SUV ratio ≥1.34 can be an effective criterion for determining surgical indications in advanced lung cancer.
A force‐measuring device combined with ultrasound‐based elastography for assessment of the uterine cervix
Authors: Thomsen Christine Rohr , Jensen Maria Strandbo Schmidt , Leonhard Anne Katrine , Mortensen Tanja Østerlund , Bor Pinar , Sandager Puk , Hinge Mogens , Uldbjerg Niels
Published: January 2022

Introduction

In this feasibility study, we hypothesize that the evaluation of cervical biomechanical strength can be improved if cervical length measurement is supplemented with quantitative elastography, which is a technique based on conventional ultrasound elastography combined with a force‐measuring device. Our aims were to: (a) develop a force‐measuring device; (b) introduce a cervical elastography index (CEI) and a cervical strength index (CSI; defined as cervical length × CEI); (c) evaluate how these indexes assess the cervical softening that takes place during normal pregnancy; and (d) how these indexes predict the cervical dilatation time from 4 to 10 cm.

Material and methods

An electronic force‐measuring device was mounted on the handle of the transvaginal probe, allowing for force measurement when conducting elastography. The study group concerned with normal cervical softening included 44 unselected pregnant women. Outcomes were CEI and CSI at different gestational ages. The study group for labor induction included 26 singleton term pregnant women admitted for labor induction. Outcome was defined as cervical dilatation time from 4 to 10 cm. Elastography measured the changes in mean gray value (intensity) during manual compressions. Region of interest was set within the anterior cervical lip.

Results

We found that the mean of all variables regarding cervical softening decreased from early to late pregnancy: ie cervical length from 34 to 29 mm, CEI from 0.17 to 0.11 N, and CSI from 5.9 to 3.1 N mm. Moreover, the cervical dilatation time during labor induction was associated with CEI, although not statistically significantly (area under the ROC curve of 0.67), but not with the Bishop score, the cervical length, or the CSI.

Conclusions

We propose that quantitative elastography based on changes in the intensity of the B‐mode ultrasound recording, in combination with a force‐measuring device on the handle of the vaginal probe, deserves further investigation as an approach for evaluation of cervical biomechanical strength.
Review article: epidemiology, pathogenesis and management of liver disease in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Jones Andrew M. , Piper Hanley Karen , Athwal Varinder S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis‐related liver disease (CFLD) is the leading cause of death in cystic fibrosis (CF), after pulmonary disease. To improve identification and management of this condition requires an understanding of the underlying disease mechanism.

Aims

This review summarises the current understanding of CFLD epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and management.

Methods

Relevant reports on cystic fibrosis liver disease were identified using a literature search and summarised.

Results

CFLD is a heterogeneous condition with several different co‐existent pathologies, including environmental and genetic factors. Incidence of clinically significant CFLD continues at a linear rate into early adulthood and has been described in up to 25% of CF patients. Diagnosis strategies lack precision and patient risk stratification needs to look beyond Childs‐Pugh scoring. Efficacious therapies are lacking and, at present, newer modulator therapies lack data in CFLD and carry an increased risk of hepatotoxicity. Outcomes of liver transplant are comparable to non‐CF transplant indications.

Conclusions

The incidence of CFLD increases with age and hence is increasingly important to adult patients with CF. Effective therapies are lacking. For progress to be made a better understanding of pathogenesis and disease detection are required.
Accounting for Zoo Animals: It Is a Jungle Out There
Authors: Abbott Malcolm , Tan‐Kantor Angela
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to review how the asset measurement of zoo animals is undertaken. Zoo animals are a zoo's greatest asset, and from its stewardship perspective, its balance sheet should reflect the value of the animals. The asset measurement of zoo animals underpins the ability of zoos to account for the animals they hold via their annual financial reporting. At present, there is no definitive, internationally recognised accounting framework and guidance on asset measurement techniques for zoo animals. The research question of this paper is, therefore: (i) to provide a review of current reporting requirements for zoo animals; (ii) to investigate the types and extent of asset measurement and financial reporting of zoo animals; and (iii) to determine what the commonly used alternatives are. A descriptive survey of existing financial reporting practices is applied to this research to explore the asset measurement techniques of zoo animals by examining published annual reports.
Diclofenac in vitro microdialysis study comparing different experimental set‐ups to improve quantitative recovery
Authors: Jorda Anselm , Armogida Marianna , Lackner Edith , Saikumar Sivasankari , Sucharski Filip , Weber Maria , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: January 2022

Several studies investigated diclofenac tissue concentrations using microdialysis (MD). However, thorough evaluations of the optimal MD set‐up for diclofenac are unavailable. Thus, this in vitro MD study aimed to compare different set‐ups to improve quantitative recovery of diclofenac. In forward and reverse in vitro MD experiments with diclofenac at two concentrations (1 and 100 ng/ml), the perfusion solutions physiological saline 0.9% (PS) and human albumin 1% (HSA) were compared using tissue probes (10‐mm membrane) and customized intravenous (iv) probes (30‐mm membrane). Using PS, the mean relative recovery of diclofenac at 1 ng/ml was 1.6% ± 0.04% and 3.12% ± 0.00% with the tissue probe and the iv probe, respectively. The respective mean relative recovery for diclofenac at 100 ng/ml was 0.02% ± 0.01% and 0.21% ± 0.11%. Using HSA, the mean relative recovery was 314% ± 25% (tissue probe) and 1064% ± 97% (iv probe) for diclofenac at 1 ng/ml and 444% ± 91% and 1415% ± 217% for diclofenac at 100 ng/ml. In reverse dialysis using PS, the mean relative loss of diclofenac was 99.2% ± 0.5% (tissue probe) and 95.8% ± 1.7% (iv probe). Using HSA, the mean relative loss was −4.4% ± 7.2% and 0.2% ± 7.5%, respectively. PS and HSA were not suitable perfusion solutions for quantification of absolute diclofenac concentrations. Despite methodological challenges, HSA may be used for comparative experiments or bioequivalence studies.
E2F1‐mediated AUF1 upregulation promotes HCC development and enhances drug resistance via stabilization of AKR1B10
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guan Guiwen , Zhang Jing , Zheng Huiling , Li Deyao , Wang Wengong , Lu Fengmin , Chen Xiangmei
Published: January 2022

The AU‐rich binding factor 1 (AUF1) is one of the well known adenylate‐uridylate‐rich element (ARE)‐specific RNA‐binding proteins (ARE‐BPs) for which dysregulation has been reported in various human cancers. However, the involvement of AUF1 in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still elusive. In this study, we aimed at exploring the clinical significance, function, and mechanism of the abnormal expression of AUF1 in HCC. Using a bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Liver Cancer Institute (LCI) database, we identified that AUF1 was abnormally highly expressed in HCC tissues and that the high expression of AUF1 was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. We also confirmed the increased AUF1 expression and its prognostic value in our HBV‐related HCC cohorts. AUF1 overexpression in hepatoma cells promoted cell proliferation and increased the resistance of hepatoma cells toward doxorubicin, whereas knockdown of AUF1 exerted the opposite effects. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that AKR1B10 was a critical target of AUF1 and was essential for sustaining the AUF1‐induced proliferation and drug resistance of hepatoma cells. AUF1 increased AKR1B10 expression by binding to the 3′UTR region of AKR1B10 mRNA and stabilizing AKR1B10 mRNA. Additionally, we demonstrated that E2F1 enhanced AUF1 expression in HCC at the transcription level. Our study revealed a novel role of AUF1 in promoting the development and drug resistance of HCC via the post‐transcriptional regulation of AKR1B10 expression. The E2F1/AUF1/AKR1B10 axis can serve as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
Coronavirus disease 2019‐associated encephalopathy: Characteristic brainstem and bilateral temporal lobe involvement
Authors: Tajima Yasutaka , Sato Chika , Mito Yasunori
Published: January 2022

Background

As COVID‐19 has become a worldwide pandemic, various neurological manifestations associated with the virus have been discovered. Apart from cerebrovascular disorders, central nervous system inflammation associated with COVID‐19 has also been reported.

Case Presentation

Here we report a rare case of COVID‐19 encephalopathy in Japan that specifically involved the brainstem and bilateral temporal lobes. In addition to the moderate respiratory damage, the patient developed generalized seizures followed by severe disturbance of consciousness. MRI examinations demonstrated characteristic involvement of the brainstem and bilateral temporal lobes. Pulsed steroid treatment effectively resolved the abnormal MRI findings.

Conclusions

The mechanisms of neuronal damage in COVID‐19 remain undetermined, but pathogenesis of this case should be considered an autoimmune mechanism rather than direct viral damage to the central nervous system in COVID‐19.
Ophthalmic imaging for the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma: A review
Authors: Yuksel Elgin Cansu , Chen Dinah , Al‐Aswad Lama A.
Published: January 2022

The last three decades have been a turning point for early glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring by newly developed imaging techniques. Improvements in imaging of the anterior segment (AS), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), optic nerve head (ONH), and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) came into existence and broke new ground for early diagnosis and progression survey. This review will summarise the different ophthalmic imaging techniques, their principles, pros and cons, ongoing development processes, and the future of imaging methods. The aim is to provide the clinician with an understanding of the role of imaging methods and provide insight for appropriate use and evaluation of their outputs in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.
Predict initial subthalamic nucleus stimulation outcome in Parkinson's disease with brain morphology
Authors: Chen Yingchuan , Zhu Guanyu , Liu Yuye , Liu Defeng , Yuan Tianshuo , Zhang Xin , Jiang Yin , Du Tingting , Zhang Jianguo
Published: January 2022

Aim

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) has been reported to be effective in treating motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), which may be attributed to changes in the brain network. However, the association between brain morphology and initial STN‐DBS efficacy, as well as the performance of prediction using neuroimaging, has not been well illustrated. Therefore, we aim to investigate these issues.

Methods

In the present study, 94 PD patients underwent bilateral STN‐DBS, and the initial stimulation efficacy was evaluated. Brain morphology was examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The volume of tissue activated in the motor STN was measured with MRI and computed tomography. The prediction of stimulation efficacy was achieved with a support vector machine, using brain morphology and other features, after feature selection and hyperparameter optimization.

Results

A higher stimulation efficacy was correlated with a thicker right precentral cortex. No association with subcortical gray or white matter volumes was observed. These morphological features could estimate the individual stimulation response with an r value of 0.5678, an R2 of 0.3224, and an average error of 11.4%. The permutation test suggested these predictions were not based on chance.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that changes in morphology are associated with the initial stimulation motor response and could be used to predict individual initial stimulation‐related motor responses.
Occupational contact dermatitis among young people in Denmark – A survey of causes and long‐term consequences
Authors: Dietz Jojo B. , Menné Torkil , Meyer Harald W. , Viskum Sven , Flyvholm Mari‐Ann , Ahrensbøll‐Friis Ulrik , John Swen M. , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Studies on the causes and consequences of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) among young workers are non‐existent.

Objectives

Determine causes and consequences of OCD among workers younger than 35 years of age.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 6251 workers younger than 35 years at notification with recognized OCD (response rate 47%).

Results

The most prevalent occupations were health care workers, kitchen workers, nursery teachers, and hairdressers and beauticians. Seventy‐six percent still had eczema, and 77% of these had eczema half to all the time over the last 3 months, with 61% evaluating their eczema as moderate to very severe. Fifty‐three percent had changed their occupation since notification, and 42.5% had lost their job because of OCD. Allergic OCD increased the odds ratio (OR) for facial or foot eczema, job loss, change in work tasks, difficulties finding work, decrease in income, and sick leave. Age at notification of 25 years of age or younger increased the risk of job loss and feeling restricted in choice of job. Workers in the food industry had a higher OR for job loss, whereas hairdressers and beauticians had a higher risk of job loss and a decrease in income.

Conclusions

The severe, long‐term consequences of OCD notification signify the need for further preventive strategies among young workers.
Toll‐7 promotes tumour growth and invasion in Drosophila
Authors: Ding Xiang , Li Zhuojie , Lin Gufa , Li Wenzhe , Xue Lei
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Drosophila melanogaster has become an excellent model organism to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying tumour progression. Here, by using well‐established Drosophila tumour models, we identified Toll‐7 as a novel regulator of tumour growth and invasion.

Materials and methods

Transgenic flies and genetic epistasis analysis were used. All flies were raised on a standard cornmeal and agar medium at 25°C unless otherwise indicated. Immunostaining and RT‐qPCR were performed by standard procedures. Images were taken by OLYMPUS BX51 microscope and Zeiss LSM 880 confocal microscope. Adobe Photoshop 2020 and Zeiss Zen were used to analyse the images. All results were presented in Scatter plots or Column bar graphs created by GraphPad Prism 8.0.

Results

Loss of Toll‐7 suppresses RasV12/lgl−/−‐induced tumour growth and invasion, as well as cell polarity disruption‐induced invasive cell migration, whereas expression of a constitutively active allele of Toll‐7 is sufficient to promote tumorous growth and cell migration. In addition, the Egr‐JNK signalling is necessary and sufficient for Toll‐7‐induced invasive cell migration. Mechanistically, Toll‐7 facilitates the endocytosis of Egr, which is known to activate JNK in the early endosomes. Moreover, Toll‐7 activates the EGFR‐Ras signalling, which cooperates with the Egr‐JNK signalling to promote Yki‐mediated cell proliferation and tissue overgrowth. Finally, Toll‐7 is necessary and sufficient for the proper maintenance of EGFR protein level.

Conclusions

Our findings characterized Toll‐7 as a proto‐oncogene that promotes tumour growth and invasion in Drosophila, which shed light on the pro‐tumour function of mammalian Toll‐like receptors (TLRs).
Using publicly available data to conduct rapid assessments of extinction risk
Authors: Levin Michael O. , Meek Jared B. , Boom Brian , Kross Sara M. , Eskew Evan A.
Published: January 2022

The IUCN Red List plays a key role in setting global conservation priorities and is populated via rigorous, time‐intensive assessments. Here, we test rapid preliminary assessments of plant extinction risk using one Red List metric: Extent of Occurrence (EOO). We developed REBA (Rapid EOO‐Based Assessment) to harvest and clean data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, calculate each species' EOO and assign EOO‐based Red List categories. We validated REBA classifications against 1671 North American plant species already on the Red List and found ~87% overlap between REBA’s classifications and the IUCN’s. However, REBA’s false‐negative rate for species outside the Least Concern category was substantial (~68%). To elucidate factors that might drive such a high rate of under‐classification, we used hierarchical Bayesian models to show that certain plant types (e.g., Geophytes) and threats (e.g., Invasive and Other Problematic Species, Genes, and Diseases) increased the probability of under‐classification. While REBA requires further refinement, it has yielded valuable insight into how preliminary assessment methodologies may become more effective.
Consumer behavior and food prices during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Evidence from Chinese cities
Authors: Yang Bixuan , Asche Frank , Li Tao
Published: January 2022

We find that Chinese consumers responded strongly to government restrictions during the COVID‐19 crisis. Our event‐study framework shows that emergency declarations raised average food prices by as much as 7.8 standard deviations of the price change distribution, with a much larger effect on non‐perishable vegetable prices (e.g., 17.0 standard deviations for Chinese cabbage prices). The effects of lockdowns were smaller but longer‐lasting. These results suggest that consumers panic bought non‐perishables under emergency declarations while under lockdowns there was a sustained increase in demand for non‐perishables. Such consumer behavior likely caused sizable losses in consumer welfare, especially among poor households.
MUL1‐RING recruits the substrate, p53‐TAD as a complex with UBE2D2–UB conjugate
Authors: Lee Min‐Sung , Lee Sang‐Ok , Choi Joonhyeok , Ryu Minju , Lee Mi‐Kyung , Kim Ji‐Hun , Hwang Eunha , Lee Chong‐Kil , Chi Seung‐Wook , Ryu Kyoung‐Seok
Published: January 2022

The RING domain of MUL1 (RINGMUL1) alone mediates ubiquitylation of the p53‐transactivation domain (TADp53). To elucidate the mechanism underlying the simultaneous recruitment of UBE2D2 and the substrate TADp53 by RINGMUL1, we determined the complex structure of RINGMUL1:UBE2D2 and studied the interaction between RINGMUL1 and TADp53 in the presence of UBE2D2–UB thioester (UBE2D2~UB) mimetics. The RINGMUL1‐binding induced the closed conformation of UBE2D2S22R/C85S–UBK48R oxyester (UBE2D2RS–UBROE), and strongly accelerated its hydrolysis, which was suppressed by the additional N77A‐mutation of UBE2D2. Interestingly, UBE2D2S22R/N77A/C85S–UBK48R oxyester (UBE2D2RAS–UBROE) already formed a closed conformation in the absence of RINGMUL1. Although TADp53 exhibited weak binding for RINGMUL1 or UBE2D2 alone, its binding affinity was enhanced and even further for RINGMUL1:UBE2D2 and RINGMUL1:UBE2D2RAS–UBROE, respectively. The recognition of TADp53 by RINGMUL1 as a complex with UBE2D2~UB is related to the multivalency of the binding events and underlies the ability of RINGMUL1 to ubiquitylate the intrinsically disordered protein, TADp53.
Attribute nonattendance in COVID‐19 vaccine choice: A discrete choice experiment based on Chinese public preference
Authors: Xiao Jianhong , Wang Fei , Wang Min , Ma Zegang
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has not been well controlled, and vaccination could be an effective way to prevent this pandemic. By accommodating attribute nonattendance (ANA) in a discrete choice experiment (DCE), this paper aimed to examine Chinese public preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID‐19 vaccine attributes, especially the influence of ANA on the estimated results.

Methods

A DCE was designed with four attributes: effectiveness, protection period, adverse reactions and price. A random parameter logit model with an error component (RPL‐EC) was used to analyse the heterogeneity of respondents' preferences for COVID‐19 vaccine attributes. Two equality constraint latent class (ECLC) models were used to consider the influence of ANA on the estimated results in which the ECLC‐homogeneity model considered only ANA and the ECLC‐heterogeneity model considered both ANA and preference heterogeneity.

Results

Data from 1,576 samples were included in the analyses. Effectiveness had the highest relative importance, followed by adverse reactions and protection period, which were determined by the attributes and levels presented in this study. The ECLC‐heterogeneity model improved the goodness of fit of the model and obtained a lower probability of ANA. In the ECLC‐heterogeneity model, only a small number of respondents (29.09%) considered all attributes, and price was the most easily ignored attribute (64.23%). Compared with the RPL‐EC model, the ECLC‐homogeneity model obtained lower WTPs for COVID‐19 vaccine attributes, and the ECLC‐heterogeneity model obtained mixed WTP results. In the ECLC‐heterogeneity model, preference group 1 obtained higher WTPs, and preference groups 2 and 3 obtained lower WTPs.

Conclusions

The RPL‐EC, ECLC‐homogeneity and ECLC‐heterogeneity models obtained inconsistent WTPs for COVID‐19 vaccine attributes. The study found that the results of the ECLC‐heterogeneity model considering both ANA and preference heterogeneity may be more plausible because ANA and low preference may be confused in the ECLC‐homogeneity model and the RPL‐EC model. The results showed that the probability of ANA was still high in the ECLC‐heterogeneity model, although it was lower than that in the ECLC‐homogeneity model. Therefore, in future research on DCE (such as the field of vaccines), ANA should be considered as an essential issue.

Public Contribution

Chinese adults from 31 provinces in mainland China participated in the study. All participants completed the COVID‐19 vaccine choice questions generated through the DCE design.
Changes in peripheral blood cellular morphology as diagnostic markers for COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Gabr Hala , Bastawy Samah , Abdel_Aal Asmaa A. , Khalil Noha M. , Fateen Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays were established to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). However, due to the high rate of false negative results, additional tests as computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and blood chemistry are required to properly diagnose COVID‐19 infection. Abnormal morphological changes of peripheral blood cells as granulocytic dysmorphism and abnormal reactive lymphocytes have been described in some cases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological changes affecting all peripheral blood cells of COVID‐19 patients, in order to find any specific abnormalities that could help in the early diagnosis and/or prognosis.

Methods

Peripheral blood smears of 113 COVID‐19 patients and 50 non‐COVID‐19 controls were examined for morphological changes in the period between October 2020 and January 2021 (second wave). We set a score value in which every morphological abnormality was given one point in each examined blood smear. Score, neurophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio, and blood chemistry were compared to the severity and outcome of the disease.

Results

Significant morphological changes were found when compared to control blood smears. Various abnormalities as pyknotic cells, broken cells, pseudo Pelger‐Huët, abnormal lymphocytes, abnormal monocytes, and leukoerythroblastic reaction were found. Cases with higher scores had unfavorable outcomes (p = .005). High interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels were correlated to pyknotic cells (p = .003).

Conclusion

The blood picture of COVID‐19 patients revealed various morphological changes that are not detected with the same frequency and variability in other viral infections. The prominent morphological changes can be predictive of an undesirable outcome of the disease.
Kinetic study of the transformation of sodalite to nepheline
Authors: Padilla Isabel , López‐Delgado Aurora , Romero Maximina
Published: January 2022

The kinetics and mechanism of the development of nepheline (NaAlSiO4) through thermal transformation of sodalite (Na4Al3Si3O12Cl) was studied by means of differential thermal analysis at different heating rates (10°C min−1 to 50°C min−1) to control the evolution of the crystallization fraction. The conversion of sodalite (cubic crystal) to pure nepheline (hexagonal crystal) took place in the 800°C–900°C interval. The activation energy for nepheline crystallization from sodalite was determined by isothermal and non‐isothermal methods. The ratio t0.75/t0.25, together with the Avrami exponent (n) and the numerical factor of the dimensionality of crystal growth (m) parameters indicated that dominant crystallization mechanism in nepheline development is bulk crystallization mechanism controlled by interface reaction.
Location and coupling interval of an ectopic excitation determine the initiation of atrial fibrillation from the pulmonary veins
Authors: Kawai Shunsuke , Mukai Yasushi , Inoue Shujiro , Yakabe Daisuke , Nagaoka Kazuhiro , Sakamoto Kazuo , Takase Susumu , Chishaki Akiko , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Ectopic beats originating from the pulmonary vein (PV) trigger atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to clarify the electrophysiological determinant of AF initiation from the PVs.

Methods

Pacing studies were performed with a single extra stimulus mimicking an ectopic beat in the left superior PVs (LSPVs) in 62 patients undergoing AF ablation. Inducibility of AF, effective refractory period (ERP), and conduction properties within the PVs were analyzed.

Results

A single extra stimulus in LSPV induced AF in 20 patients (32% of all patients) at the mean coupling interval (CI) of 172 ms. A CI‐dependent anisotropic conduction at the AF onset was visualized in a three‐dimensional mapping. Onset of AF was site‐specific with reproducibility in each individual. Mean ERP in LSPV in the AF‐inducible group was shorter than that in the AF‐noninducible group (182 ± 55 vs. 254 ± 51 ms, p < .0001). LSPV ERP dispersion was greater in the AF‐inducible group than in the AF‐noninducible group (45 ± 28 vs. 27 ± 19 ms, p < .01). Circumferential intra‐PV conduction time (IPVCT) exhibited decremental properties in response to shortening of CI and the prolongation of IPVCT in the AF‐inducible site was greater than that in the AF‐noninducible site (p < .05) in each individual.

Conclusions

Location and CI of an ectopic excitation ultimately determine the initiation of AF from the PVs. ERP dispersion and circumferential conduction delay may lead to anisotropic conduction and reentry within the PVs that initiate AF.
The association of walking pace and incident heart failure and subtypes among postmenopausal women
Authors: Miremad Moafi‐Madani , Lin Xiaochen , Rasla Somwail , El Meligy Amr , Roberts Mary B. , Laddu Deepika , Allison Matthew , Martin Lisa W. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Manson Jo Ann E. , Chlebowski Rowan , Panjrath Gurusher , LaMonte Michael J. , Liu Simin , Eaton Charles B.
Published: January 2022

Background

To investigate the association between walking pace and the risk of heart failure (HF) and HF sub‐types.

Methods

We examined associations of self‐reported walking pace with risk of incident HF and HF subtypes of preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fractions, among 25,183 postmenopausal women, ages 50–79 years. At enrollment into the Women's Health Initiative cohort in 1993–1998, this subset of women was free of HF, cancer, or the inability to walk one block, with self‐reported information on walking pace and walking duration. Multivariable Cox regression was used to examine associations of walking pace (casual <2 mph [referent], average 2–3 mph, and fast >3 mph) with incident HF. We also examined the joint association of walking pace and duration with incident HF.

Results

There were 1455 incident adjudicated acute decompensated HF hospitalization cases during a median of 16.9 years of follow‐up. There was a strong inverse association between walking pace and overall risk of HF (HR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.65, 0.83] for average vs. casual walking; HR = 0.66, 95%CI [0.56, 0.78] for fast vs. casual walking). There were similar associations of walking pace with HFpEF (HR = 0.73, 95%CI [0.62, 0.86] average vs. casual; HR = 0.63, 95%CI [0.50, 0.80] for fast vs. casual) and with HFrEF (HR = 0.72, 95%CI [0.57, 0.91] for average vs. casual; HR = 0.74, 95%CI [0.54, 0.99] for fast vs. casual). The risk of HF associated with fast walking with less than 1 h/week walking duration was comparable with the risk of HF among casual and average walkers with more than 2 h/week walking duration.

Conclusion

Walking pace was inversely associated with risks of overall HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF in postmenopausal women. Whether interventions to increase the walking pace in older adults will reduce HF risk and whether fast pace will compensate for the short duration of walking warrants further study.
Development of affective learning in dietetics graduates: A qualitative longitudinal study
Authors: O'Shea Marie‐Claire , Palermo Claire , Rogers Gary D. , Williams Lauren T.
Published: January 2022

Background

The development of affective learning during healthcare student education is essential for professional practice. Current studies are limited to short‐term studies with medicine and nursing students. Longitudinal studies are emerging; however, the research within allied health students remains scant. The present study investigates the value of simulation‐based learning activities in relation to affective learning among dietetic students.

Methods

A double hermeneutic, interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) approach was employed, followed by an analysis of the trajectory of participants' affective learning across three‐interview time points via the application of Krathwohl's affective learning levels.

Results

The simulation developed affective learning in four of the six participants, specifically in relation to their view of themselves as practitioners and their understanding of their future responsibilities to patient care. Three key themes were identified in the participants: (1) feeling of workforce readiness, (2) valuing lifelong learning and (3) attitudes towards interprofessional teamwork.

Conclusions

This IPA methodology described dietetic students' affective learning development as they transitioned to practice as graduate health professionals. Simulation‐based learning is one activity that enhances students' learning in the affective domain and educators should consider its value within their programs
A simplified procedure of nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , Okawa Masayo , Hikino Kohei , Iida Yuki , Osaku Daiken , Kudoh Akiko , Chikumi Jun , Sato Shinya , Oishi Tetsuro , Harada Tasuku
Published: January 2022

Aim

We devised a simplified nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy that is simpler than commonly used procedures.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 16 cases of classical non‐nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy (non‐nerve‐sparing group) and 16 cases of simplified nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy (nerve‐sparing group) performed between 2019 and 2020. We examined and compared the duration of surgery, blood loss, perioperative complications, postoperative urinary function (presence or absence of urinary sensation, number of days with residual urine measurement, and frequency and duration of oral sustained release urapidil capsules and self‐catheterization), and short‐term prognosis between the two groups.

Results

Compared to conventional non‐nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy, the duration of surgery for nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy was significantly shorter (407 [339–555] min vs. 212 [180–356] min; p < 0.001), and blood loss was significantly less. Compared to the nerve‐sparing group, the non‐nerve‐sparing group had more cases of oral urapidil use and a higher frequency of clean intermittent catheterization. Clean intermittent catheterization was required in two cases in the nerve‐sparing group; however, it was withdrawn at 180 and 240 days. Conversely, clean intermittent catheterization was still required in three cases in the non‐nerve‐sparing group. There were no statistically significant differences in progression‐free survival and overall survival between the two groups.

Conclusion

The simple nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy resulted in shorter duration of surgery and less blood loss as well as in a clear improvement in the postoperative urinary status and short‐term prognosis. This technique simplifies nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy, which is commonly thought to be complicated, making it easier to understand.