bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deficiency in DNA mismatch repair of methylation damage is a major mutational process in cancer
Authors: Fang Hu , Zhu Xiaoqiang , Oh Jieun , Barbour Jayne A. , Wong Jason W. H.
Published: November 2020

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is essential for maintaining genome integrity with its deficiency predisposing to cancer1. MMR is well known for its role in the post-replicative repair of mismatched base pairs that escape proofreading by DNA polymerases following cell division2. Yet, cancer genome sequencing has revealed that MMR deficient cancers not only have high mutation burden but also harbour multiple mutational signatures3, suggesting that MMR has pleotropic effects on DNA repair. The mechanisms underlying these mutational signatures have remained unclear despite studies using a range ofin vitro4,5andin vivo6models of MMR deficiency. Here, using mutation data from cancer genomes, we identify a previously unknown function of MMR, showing that the loss of non-canonical replication-independent MMR activity is a major mutational process in human cancers. MMR is comprised of the MutSα (MSH2/MSH6) and MutLα (MLH1/PMS2) complexes7. Cancers with deficiency of MutSα exhibit mutational signature contributions distinct from those deficient of MutLα. This disparity is attributed to mutations arising from the unrepaired deamination of 5-methylcytosine (5mC), i.e. methylation damage, as opposed to replicative errors by DNA polymerases induced mismatches. Repair of methylation damage is strongly associated with H3K36me3 chromatin but independent of binding of MBD4, a DNA glycosylase that recognise 5mC and can repair methylation damage. As H3K36me3 recruits MutSα, our results suggest that MutSα is the essential factor in mediating the repair of methylation damage. Cell line models of MMR deficiency display little evidence of 5mC deamination-induced mutations as their rapid rate of proliferation limits for the opportunity for methylation damage. We thus uncover a non-canonical role of MMR in the protection against methylation damage in non-dividing cells.
Disruption of augmin-mediated microtubule nucleation in neural stem cells causes p53-dependent apoptosis and aborts brain development
Authors: Viais Ricardo , Watanabe Sadanori , Villamor Marina , Palenzuela Lluís , Lacasa Cristina , Fariña Marcos , Lüders Jens
Published: November 2020

Microtubules that assemble the mitotic spindle are generated by three different mechanisms: centrosomal nucleation, chromatin-mediated nucleation, and nucleation from the surface of other microtubules mediated by the augmin complex. Impairment of centrosomal nucleation in apical progenitors of the developing mouse brain induces p53-dependent apoptosis and causes non-lethal microcephaly. Whether disruption of non-centrosomal nucleation has similar effects is unclear. Here we show, using mouse embryos, that conditional knockout of the augmin subunitHaus6in apical progenitors led to spindle defects and mitotic delay. This triggered massive apoptosis and complete abortion of brain development. Co-deletion of p53 rescued cell death, but brain development was still aborted. This could be explained by exacerbated mitotic errors and resulting chromosomal defects including increased DNA damage. Surviving progenitors had lost apico-basal polarity and failed to organize a pseudostratified epithelium. Thus, in contrast to the centrosomal nucleation pathway, augmin is crucial for apical progenitor mitosis, and, even in the absence of p53, for progression of brain development.
COVID-19-associated olfactory dysfunction reveals SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion and persistence in the olfactory system
Authors: De Melo Guilherme Dias , Lazarini Françoise , Levallois Sylvain , Hautefort Charlotte , Michel Vincent , Larrous Florence , Verillaud Benjamin , Aparicio Caroline , Wagner Sebastien , Gheusi Gilles , Kergoat Lauriane , Kornobis Etienne , Cokelaer Thomas , Hervochon Rémi , Madec Yoann , Roze Emmanuel , Salmon Dominique , Bourhy Hervé , Lecuit Marc , Lledo Pierre-Marie
Published: November 2020

While recent investigations have revealed viral, inflammatory and vascular factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 lung pathogenesis, the pathophysiology of neurological disorders in COVID-19 remains poorly understood. Yet, olfactory and taste dysfunction are rather common in COVID-19, especially in pauci-symptomatic patients which constitutes the most frequent clinical manifestation of the infection. We conducted a virologic, molecular, and cellular study of the olfactory system from COVID-19 patients presenting acute loss of smell, and report evidence that the olfactory epithelium represents a highly significant infection site where multiple cell types, including olfactory sensory neurons, support cells and immune cells, are infected. Viral replication in the olfactory epithelium is associated with local inflammation. Furthermore, we show that SARS-CoV-2 induces acute anosmia and ageusia in golden Syrian hamsters, both lasting as long as the virus remains in the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb. Finally, olfactory mucosa sampling in COVID-19 patients presenting with persistent loss of smell reveals the presence of virus transcripts and of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, together with protracted inflammation. Viral persistence in the olfactory epithelium therefore provides a potential mechanism for prolonged or relapsing symptoms of COVID-19, such as loss of smell, which should be considered for optimal medical management and future therapeutic strategies.
Molecular basis for inhibition of adhesin-mediated bacterial-host interactions through a novel peptide-binding domain
Authors: Guo Shuaiqi , Zahiri Hossein , Stevens Corey , Spaanderman Daniel C. , Milroy Lech-Gustav , Ottmann Christian , Brunsveld Luc , Voets Ilja K. , Davies Peter L.
Published: November 2020

Modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with small-molecules is a promising conceptual approach in drug discovery. In the area of bacterial colonization, PPIs contribute to adhesin-mediated biofilm formation that cause most infections. However, the molecular basis underlying these adhesin-ligand interactions is largely unknown. The 1.5-MDa adhesion protein,MpIBP,uses a peptide-binding domain (MpPBD) to help its Antarctic bacterium form symbiotic biofilms on sea ice with microalgae such as diatoms. X-ray crystallography revealedMpPBD uses Camdependent interactions to self-associate with a crystal symmetry mate via the C-terminal threonine-proline-aspartate sequence. Structure-guided optimization derived penta-peptide ligands that boundMpPBD 1,000-fold more tightly, with affinities in the nano-molar range. These ligands act as potent antagonists to blockMpPBD from binding to the diatom cells. Since adhesins of some human pathogens contain peptide-binding module homologs ofMpPBD, this same conceptual approach could help develop ligand-based PPI modulators to disrupt harmful bacteria-host interactions.
Exploration of patriotic brand image: its antecedents and impacts on purchase intentions
Authors: Li Yufan , Teng Weichen , Liao Tien-Tien , Lin Tom M.Y.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The recent rise of economic nationalism intensifies consumers' patriotic attitudes toward goods or services and thus encourages enterprises to build patriotic brand images. Nevertheless, few studies have discussed how a patriotic brand image is developed. The purpose of this study aims to fill the gap by examining whether and how a positive corporate image helps a domestic brand establish a patriotic brand image and in turn enhances consumers' purchase intentions in relation to domestic brand products.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model identifying the antecedents of patriotic brand image (the components of corporate image) is proposed and empirically tested using structural equations with a questionnaire investigating Taiwanese college students' attitudes toward Taiwanese smartphone brands. Three competing models are also proposed and tested to confirm the appropriateness of the research model.

Findings

In addition to the widely recognized impact of perceived quality on purchase intentions, patriotic brand image is found to be effective in enhancing local consumers' intentions to purchase domestic brand products. To shape a patriotic brand image, perceived quality, perceived corporate ability and perceived corporate integrity are the direct approaches, while perceived corporate social responsibility works through perceived corporate integrity, and perceived employer brand enhances only perceived corporate social responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

Potential sampling (college students) and subject (smartphones) biases may limit the generalizability of the presented findings

Practical implications

While patriotic appeals have long been used in marketing communication, they are also likely to precipitate negative brand associations (e.g. nationalism), offending consumers in other countries. By contrast, the development of a positive corporate image serves as an implicit and neutral approach to building a patriotic brand image and can help domestic brands attract local consumers with less harm to foreign markets.

Originality/value

This study is one of notably few studies discussing patriotic brand image and its impacts on purchase intentions. This study also identifies the antecedents of patriotic brand image and how each of them affects patriotic brand image. The findings can help guide domestic brands in building a patriotic brand image.
Does VPIN provide predictive information for realized volatility forecasting: evidence from Chinese stock index futures market
Authors: Wen Conghua , Jia Fei , Hao Jianli
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Using intraday data, the authors explore the forecast ability of one high frequency order flow imbalance measure (OI) based on the volume-synchronized probability of informed trading metric (VPIN) for predicting the realized volatility of the index futures on the China Securities Index 300 (CSI 300).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the heterogeneous autoregressive model for realized volatility (HAR-RV) and compare the forecast ability of models with and without the predictive variable, OI.

Findings

The empirical results demonstrate that the augmented HAR model incorporating OI (HARX-RV) can generate more precise forecasts, which implies that the order imbalance measure contains substantial information for describing the volatility dynamics.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on the relation between high frequency trading behavior and volatility forecasting in China's index futures market and reveals the underlying market mechanisms of liquidity-induced volatility.
The climate change emergency: impacts on health governance
Authors: MacVane Phipps Fiona
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To enable readers to gain an overview of the content of any issue of IJHG and in this way select papers most relevant to their interests or requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

The IJHG review section extracts information from all submissions in a single issue, developing and expanding on key themes in common.

Findings

NA

Originality/value

The original value of the IJHG Review section is that no other Emerald journal includes a Review section of this kind.
Takāful demand: a review of selected literature
Authors: Md Husin Maizaitulaidawati , Haron Razali
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a systematic review of literature on the demand for takāful (Islamic insurance) from articles published from January 2009 to June 2019. The review aims to synthesise and segment previously published research to identify the gaps and provide future research direction.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Past research was analysed, and content comparisons based on research focus, context and methodology were evaluated.

Findings

It was found that not much has been written and published on takāful demand in quality journals. The first two articles were published in 2009, but it was only in 2017 that coverage of the topic rapidly expanded. Although no article was found to have been published in 2018 on takāful demand, there was one published article on the topic in 2019. This paper also found that not much attention has been given to takāful demand from the corporate sector.

Research limitations/implications

The defined rule for document searching and selection excluded out-of-scope documents that might be relevant. Furthermore, as this paper concentrates exclusively on articles published in English journals, the possibility that other relevant works do appear elsewhere in a different language is not denied.

Practical implications

Factors determining takāful demand are provided, and general directions are discussed, which managers can use to develop market share further.

Originality/value

Such an extensive review of literature on takāful demand has not been done before. Other than revealing ambiguities, gaps and contradictions in the literature, this paper sketches an avenue for further research. It also provides information and guidance for other researchers wishing to embark on research on takāful demand.
Prioritizing intentions behind investment in cryptocurrency: a fuzzy analytical framework
Authors: Gupta Swati , Gupta Sanjay , Mathew Manoj , Sama Hanumantha Rao
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to prioritize the main intentions behind investment in cryptocurrency, in spite of its volatile nature and no regulatory framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper has worked on collective constructs of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), the technology acceptance model (TAM) and social support theory with an added construct of financial literacy. A fuzzy analytical framework has been applied to prioritize the intentions of investors.

Findings

The result indicates that “Social Influence (SI)” is the most influencing factor, while “Effort Expectancy (EE)” is the least influencing factor considered by investors. The subdimensions ranked in the top priority by investors are as follows: “I want to invest in cryptocurrencies because I have a good level of financial knowledge (FL1)”; “The people who are important to me will think that I should use cryptocurrencies (SI2)”; “I have the necessary resources to use cryptocurrencies (FC2).” The least importance is given to “It will be easy for me to become an expert in the use of cryptocurrencies (EE3).”

Research limitations/implications

Few of the constructs of the UTAUT, the TAM and social support theory have been considered while prioritizing intentions. Different other intentions also prevail under different theories that need to be researched further.

Practical implications

Unlike previous studies, this research adds the archetype of social commerce, social support and utility theories to analyze and prioritize the behavioral perspective of using cryptocurrencies in digital transactions.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap in the research study, along with assisting the regulators and cryptocurrency practitioners to widen their knowledge base and to recognize the prioritized intentions.
How do leaders' positive emotions improve followers' person–job fit in China? The effects of organizational identification and psychological safety
Authors: Liu Chongrui , Wang Cong , Wang Hongjie
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Although a plethora of literature has developed person–job fit theory, how leaders' emotions affect followers' person–job fit has received insufficient attention. Drawing on emotions as social information (EASI) theory, the present research study investigated the impact of leaders' positive emotions on person–job fit and further explained the mediating role of psychological safety and the moderating effect of organizational identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 319 Chinese employees nested in 67 teams, and a cross-level design was adopted to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that individual-level psychological safety played a mediating role in the cross-level relationship between team-directed leaders' positive emotions and individual-level person–job fit. Moreover, the authors found a cross-level moderating effect of team-level organizational identification.

Practical implications

This present research empirically showed that leaders displaying positive emotions in the workplace benefited followers' perceptions of psychological safety, which in turn improved followers' attitudes towards their job in management practice. In addition, organizational identification could positively advance this process.

Originality/value

This study is the first to evaluate the operational mechanism of leaders' emotion on followers' perceived person–job fit in the Chinese context. Person–job fit has primarily been investigated as a driver of employee outcomes in the previous research studies. These studies focussed on whether and how leaders' emotions improve followers' person–job fit.
Unified elimination of 1D acoustic multiple reflection
Authors: Slob Evert , Zhang Lele
Published: November 2020

Migration, velocity and amplitude analysis are the employed processing steps to find the desired subsurface information from seismic reflection data. The presence of free‐surface and internal multiples can mask the primary reflections for which many processing methods are built. The ability to separate primary from multiple reflections is desirable. Connecting Marchenko theory with classical one‐dimensional inversion methods allows to understand the process of multiple reflection elimination as a data‐filtering process. The filter is a fundamental wave field, defined as a pressure and particle velocity that satisfy the wave equation. The fundamental wave field does not depend on the presence or absence of free‐surface multiples in the data. The backbone of the filtering process is that the fundamental wave field is computed from the measured pressure and particle velocity without additional information. Two different multiples‐free datasets are obtained: either directly from the fundamental wave field or by applying the fundamental wave field to the data. In addition, the known schemes for Marchenko multiple elimination follow from the main equation. Numerical examples show that source and receiver ghosts, free‐surface and internal multiples can be removed simultaneously using a conjugate gradient scheme. The advantage of the main equation is that the source wavelet does not need to be known and no pre‐processing is required. The fact that the reflection coefficients can be obtained is an interesting feature that could lead to improved amplitude analysis and inversion than would be possible with other processing methods.
Permeable persons and plastic packaging in India: from biomoral substance exchange to chemotoxic transmission
Authors: Pathak Gauri
Published: November 2020

In contemporary India, it has become commonplace to hear middle‐class people speak of ‘chemicals’ in the environment, in food, and in everyday commodities. Anxieties revolve around the bodily absorption of these ‘chemicals’, and plastic packaging has come under particular scrutiny as a source of such leached substances. Although anthropological studies have highlighted South Asian conceptions of the person as permeable and affected, through the exchange of biomoral substances, by transactions with the environment, humans, and nonhumans, the concern about ‘chemicals’ references a different type of transfer: that of chemotoxic transmission. Such concern foregrounds new anxieties about the permeable body in the contaminated, ecologically damaged world of late modernity. The case of plastic packaging is illustrative of the differences between frameworks of biomoral substance exchange and chemotoxic transmission. In illuminating those differences, this article focuses on public concerns regarding the bodily absorption of ‘chemicals’, why these concerns are compelling as a political ecological critique of capitalist extraction, and the insights they can offer to anthropological research on the permeable body.
Feasibility of MRI to assess differences in ophthalmic artery blood flow rate in normal tension glaucoma and healthy controls
Authors: Kristiansen Martin , Lindén Christina , Qvarlander Sara , Wåhlin Anders , Ambarki Khalid , Hallberg Per , Eklund Anders , Jóhannesson Gauti
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To examine feasibility of phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PCMRI) and to assess blood flow rate in the ophthalmic artery (OA) in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) compared with healthy controls.

Methods

Sixteen patients with treated NTG and 16 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent PCMRI using a 3‐Tesla scanner and ophthalmological examinations. OA blood flow rate was measured using a 2D PCMRI sequence with a spatial resolution of 0.35 mm2.

Results

The blood flow rate in the NTG group was 9.6 ± 3.9 ml/min [mean ± SD] compared with 11.9 ± 4.8 ml/min in the control group. Resistance Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index (PI) were 0.73 ± 0.08 and 1.36 ± 0.29, respectively, in the NTG group and 0.68 ± 0.13 and 1.22 ± 0.40, respectively, in the healthy group. The mean visual field index (VFI) was 46% ± 25 for the worse NTG eyes. The measured differences observed between the NTG group and the control group in blood flow rate (p = 0.12), RI (p = 0.18) and PI (p = 0.27) were non‐significant.

Conclusions

This case–control study, using PCMRI, showed a slight, but non‐significant, reduction in OA blood flow rate in the NTG patients compared with the healthy controls. These results indicate that blood flow may be of importance in the pathogenesis of NTG. Considering that only a limited portion of the total OA blood flow supplies the ocular system and the large inter‐individual differences, a larger study or more advanced PCMRI technique might give the answer.
Decoupled responses of native and exotic tree diversities to distance from old‐growth forest and soil phosphorus in novel secondary forests
Authors: Lai Hao Ran , Tan Germaine Su Yin , Neo Louise , Kee Carmen Yingxin , Yee Alex Thiam Koon , Tan Hugh Tiang Wah , Chong Kwek Yan
Published: November 2020

Questions

How (de)coupled are native and exotic tree diversities in their relationships with local soil conditions and landscape configurations? Can (de)coupled diversity–environment relationships be used to manage native and exotic species separately to minimize unintended impacts on one another?

Location

The tropical city‐state of Singapore, Southeast Asia.

Methods

In two types of novel, exotic‐dominated secondary forests regenerating from land abandonment, we surveyed both native and exotic trees ≥5 cm diameter‐at‐breast height (DBH) in 97 plots and correlated taxonomic and functional diversities to soil fertility (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and landscape configuration gradients (distance to old‐growth forests and patch area).

Results

Native and exotic tree species had unshared or decoupled responses to distance to old‐growth forest and soil phosphorus. The taxonomic and functional diversities of native, but not exotic, species declined rapidly with increasing isolation from old‐growth forests. Exotic, but not native, species richness increased with soil phosphorus levels. Neither native nor exotic diversities were associated with soil nitrogen, potassium, and patch area.

Conclusions

Native and exotic tree species could be managed separately without unintended impacts on one another because of their decoupled responses to distance from old‐growth forest and soil phosphorus. The native–distance‐to‐old‐growth relationship suggests that novel secondary forests adjacent to old‐growth forests can accrue native species with minimal intervention, while enhancement plantings of old‐growth native species should target more isolated patches. The exotic‐phosphorus relationship suggests that restoring soils to historically‐low phosphorus levels can help to reduce exotic diversity, without negative impacts on native diversity. Our study highlights the importance of understanding (de)coupled species or species‐group responses to identify optimal management solutions with minimal non‐target effects.
Breeding and feeding habitat selection by an island endemic bird may increase its vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Radley Paul M. , van Etten Eddie J. B. , Blake David , Davis Robert A.
Published: November 2020

Characterizing patterns of habitat use is an important first step for effective conservation planning. Species restricted to low‐lying islands are at greatest risk from climate change‐related sea level rise, and requirements for breeding and foraging habitat may determine their risk from tidal inundation. The endangered Micronesian Scrubfowl (Megapodius laperouse senex) is a model species for understanding these impacts. This species faces the cumulative challenges of tourist visitation, invasive species, and rising sea levels, yet little is understood about its habitat use in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon Conservation Area (RISL) of Palau. We studied the habitat requirements of this mound‐nesting scrub‐fowl as a representative of a group of birds considered highly vulnerable to climate change. Analysis of 15 habitat variables at 24 incubation mounds and 26 randomly chosen sites indicated that scrubfowl selected incubation sites that were close to shore, contained large trees, and exhibited greater canopy heights than the surrounding forest. Birds preferentially built mounds at the base of large ironwood trees (Casuarina equisetifolia) but selected sites with significantly more breadfruit trees (Artocarpus mariannensis) than random. Scrubfowl foraged in a non‐preferential manner, making use of all littoral strand forest habitat. Direct anthropogenic habitat loss is not a major threat to scrub‐fowl in the RISL, but their breeding habitat is highly vulnerable to climate change‐driven sea level rise.
Crestal bone loss associated with different implant surfaces in the posterior mandible in patients with a history of periodontitis. A retrospective study
Authors: Sicilia Alberto , Gallego Luis , Sicilia Pelayo , Mallo Carmen , Cuesta Susana , Sanz Mariano
Published: November 2020

Objective

To retrospectively assess the interproximal bone loss (CBL) in external hexagon implants (EHI), with different surface micro‐topography, placed in the posterior mandible in patients with a history of periodontitis undergoing supportive periodontal care.

Material and methods

268 consecutive patients received 755 EHI implants in the mandibular molar region between 2007 and 2015 with the following surface characteristics: 72 turned, 145 hybrids (double acid‐etched/turned), and 538 anodized. CBL was yearly evaluated by analysing calibrated digital periapical radiographs, with a follow‐up of 1–6 years. Data on implant survival were also calculated.

Results

At 6 years (53 patients), the mean CBL was 1.34/1.42 mm at patient/implant level, respectively (range: 0–5.2 mm). Significantly higher CBL was detected in anodized implants than in turned and hybrid implants (1.92/1.46/1.02 mm) (p < .01). The maximum CBL values were found in 2 anodized implants at 4 years (6.3 and 8.1 mm). CBL ≥2 mm was detected in 18% of implants at 3 years and 35% at 6 (p < 2.2 × 10−16), this prevalence being 2.6 times higher in the anodized than in the hybrid and turned group (40%/15.6%, p < .0094). At 6 years, 25 anodized implants presented CBL ≥3 mm (18%). 6 anodized implants (5 patients) were removed between 4 and 5 years.

Conclusion

A significant higher CBL was observed in anodized, compared to hybrid and turned implants, when placed in the mandibular molar region of periodontal patients, with a follow‐up of 1 to 6 years.
A solitary ground‐nesting wasp truncates its parental investment in response to detection of parasites
Authors: Rosenheim Jay A.
Published: November 2020

Parental investment by solitary nest‐building wasps and bees is predicted to be plastic, responding to variation in the sex of the offspring, the availability of food used as provisions (‘resource limitation’), the female's inventory of mature oocytes (‘egg limitation’), and risk imposed by nest parasites.

I observed nest provisioning by Ammophila dysmica, a solitary, ground‐nesting wasp that provisions its nest with one or two caterpillar prey to evaluate the hypotheses that provisioning is shaped by caterpillar size, offspring sex, the hunting time required to capture prey, a female's egg load, and penetration of nests by the parasites Argochrysis armilla and Hilarella hilarella.

Ammophila dysmica were more likely to add a second provision to the nest when the first prey item was relatively small and when provisioning daughters.

Neither the hunting time required to capture the first caterpillar prey nor the female's inventory of oocytes predicted a female's likelihood of adding a second caterpillar to a nest. Variation in oocyte inventory across females was minimal; all females examined had a mature or nearly mature oocyte remaining in the ovaries immediately after laying an egg.

Ammophila dysmica were much less likely to add a second caterpillar to nests that were penetrated by parasites during the first provisioning.

Although many nest parasites have evolved adaptations to avoid detection by their hosts, oviposition by A. armilla often appears to reveal its presence, eliciting an abrupt truncation of investment by the host in that nest.
Cortical morphometry and neural dysfunction in Huntington’s disease: a review
Authors: Tan Brendan , Shishegar Rosita , Poudel Govinda R. , Fornito Alex , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie
Published: November 2020

Numerous neuroimaging techniques have been used to identify biomarkers of disease progression in Huntington's disease (HD). To date, the earliest and most sensitive of these is caudate volume; however, it is becoming increasingly evident that numerous changes to cortical structures, and their interconnected networks, occur throughout the course of the disease. The mechanisms by which atrophy spreads from the caudate to these cortical regions remains unknown. In this review, the neuroimaging literature specific to T1‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging is summarized and new strategies for the investigation of cortical morphometry and the network spread of degeneration in HD are proposed. This new avenue of research may enable further characterization of disease pathology and could add to a suite of biomarker/s of disease progression for patient stratification that will help guide future clinical trials.
Pairwise comparisons or constrained optimization? A usability evaluation of techniques for eliciting decision priorities
Authors: Abel Edward , Galpin Ixent , Paton Norman W. , Keane John A.
Published: November 2020

Decision support methodologies provide notations for expressing and communicating the priorities that inform a decision. Although a substantial literature has explored the theoretical merits of such notations and methodologies, much less work has investigated their usability in practice, which is of vital importance for their widespread adoption by users. In this paper, we explore the usability of two well‐known preference elicitation techniques, pairwise comparisons and constrained optimization. The techniques were explored through two contrasting crowd worker experiments, a preliminary one evaluating recognition, that is, the ability to identify the most suitable formulation for a given task, and the other synthesis, that is, the ability to construct formulations for a given task. The tasks are based on a case study involving source selection, a well‐known problem in the data integration domain. The results of the empirical evaluation show that, overall, pairwise comparisons resulted in significantly higher performance than constrained optimization, yet there is negligible difference between the usability appraisals for each technique. Furthermore, we observed that the technique that participants perform better with is not necessarily the one that they consider more usable.
Patient’s experiences of suffering across the cancer trajectory: A qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Iskandar Ayuk Cucuk , Rochmawati Erna , Wiechula Rick
Published: November 2020

Aim

To identify, appraise and synthesize the available evidence from qualitative research exploring the suffering of patients with cancer during their illness trajectories.

Design

Protocol for a qualitative systematic review.

Data Sources

The database will include PubMed, CINAHL and Psych Info were searched in May 2020.

Methods

The review protocol has been registered in International Prospective Register for Systematic Review (CRD42020165405). This review will systematically search qualitative research studies in databases from 1982–May 2020, with predetermined search terms. Searches are limited to studies in English. Two reviewers will independently appraise the methodological quality of the selected studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Disagreements can be settled through discussion which includes a third reviewer, if necessary. This review will use the meta‐aggregative approach to analyze and synthesize data. A summary of findings from selected studies will be presented.

Discussion

Suffering is a complex dimension that included physical psychological, existential and social dimensions. This review will enable nurses to gain an in‐depth understanding of suffering that not only worsens at the end of life that can deliver comprehensive care.

Impact

This review is designed to systematically identify and explore the suffering that patients with cancer experience during their illness trajectory. Often suffering is highlighted at the end of life phase. This review will synthesize the evidence of suffering from the beginning of the patient's diagnosis to the end of life. The results of this review provide evidence to support nursing developments in education and clinical practice so that understanding of cancer can be optimized. The findings of the proposed review will contribute as a basis for recommendations for future research regarding suffering.
Factors associated with employment outcome after critical illness: Systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression
Authors: Su Han , Dreesmann Nathan J. , Hough Catherine L. , Bridges Elizabeth , Thompson Hilaire J.
Published: November 2020

Aims

To synthesize data on prevalence and risk factors for return to work (RTW) in ICU survivors.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data sources

PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched from 2000–Feb 2020.

Review methods

Peer‐reviewed articles that included adult ICU survivors and employment outcomes. Two investigators independently reviewed articles following the PRISMA protocol. Pooled prevalence for RTW was calculated. Meta‐regression analyses were performed to assess the association between disability policies, temporal factors and RTW following ICU.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies (N = 8,168) met the inclusion criteria. All studies were scored as ‘low risk of bias’. Using meta‐analysis, the proportion (95% CI) of RTW following ICU was 29% (0.20,0.42), 59% (0.50,0.70), 56% (0.50,0.62), 63% (0.54,0.72), 58% (0.37,0.91), 58% (0.42,0.81), and 44% (0.25,0.76) at 3, 4–6, 7–12, 13–24, 25–36, 37–48, and 49–60 months, respectively. Time and disability policy support are factors associated with the proportion of ICU survivors who RTW. Through meta‐regression, there is a 20% increase (95% CI: 0.06, 0.33) in the proportion of individuals who RTW per year. However, the average rate of increase slows by 4% (−0.07, −0.1) per year. In countries with high support policies, the proportion of RTW is 32% higher compared with countries with low support policies (0.08, 0.24). However, as subsequent years pass, the additional proportion of individuals RTW in high support countries declines (β = −0.06, CI: −0.1, −0.02).

Conclusions

Unemployment is common in ICU survivors. Countries with policies that give higher support for disabled workers have a higher RTW proportion to 3 years following ICU admission. However, from 3–5 years, there is a shift to countries with lower support policies having better employment outcomes.

Impact

Health care policies have an impact on RTW rate in survivors of ICU. Healthcare providers, including nurses, can function as public advocates to facilitate policy change.
Circular RNA circ_0008305 aggravates hepatocellular carcinoma growth through binding to miR‐186 and inducing TMED2
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Hao Hui‐Hui , Zhuang Hai‐Wen , Wang Jian , Sheng Yu , Xu Fang , Dou Jin , Chen Chuang , Shen Yang
Published: November 2020

Dysregulation of circRNAs is reported to exert crucial roles in cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). So far, the function of circRNAs in HCC development remains poorly known. Currently, our data showed that circ_0008305 was highly elevated in HCC cell lines and 30 paired tissue samples of HCC. As evidenced, suppression of circ_0008305 repressed HCC cell growth significantly. Meanwhile, up‐regulation of circ_0008305 significantly reduced HCC cell growth. Mechanistically, we displayed that circ_0008305 could bind with miR‐186 by using bioinformatics analysis. miR‐186 has been reported to be a crucial tumour oncogene in many cancers. In addition, we proved miR‐186 was greatly decreased in HCC. The direct correlation between miR‐186 and circ_0008305 was confirmed in our work. In addition, up‐regulation of miR‐186 obviously restrained HCC progression. Increased expression of transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 2 (TMED2) is significantly related to the unfavourable outcomes in cancer patients. At our present work, we proved that TMED2 could act as a direct target of miR‐186. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that circ_0008305 up‐regulated TMED2 expression by sponging miR‐186, which resulted in significantly induced HCC progression in vitro and in vivo. These revealed the significant role of circ_0008305 in HCC progression, which might indicate a new perspective on circRNAs in HCC development.
HBI1‐TCP20 interaction positively regulates the CEPs‐mediated systemic nitrate acquisition
Authors: Chu Xiaoqian , Li Mingzhe , Zhang Shujuan , Fan Min , Han Chao , Xiang Fengning , Li Genying , Wang Yong , Xiang Cheng‐Bin , Wang Jia‐Gang , Bai Ming‐Yi
Published: November 2020

Nitrate is the main source of nitrogen for plants but often distributed heterogeneously in soil. Plants have evolved sophisticated strategies to achieve adequate nitrate by modulating the root system architecture. The nitrate acquisition system is triggered by the short mobile peptides C‐TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDES (CEPs) that are synthesized on the nitrate‐starved roots, but induce the expression of nitrate transporters on the other nitrate‐rich roots through an unclear signal transduction pathway. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factors HBI1 and TCP20 play important roles in plant growth and development in response to fluctuating nitrate supply. HBI1 physically interacts with TCP20, and this interaction was enhanced by the nitrate starvation. HBI1 and TCP20 directly bind to the promoters of CEPs and cooperatively induce their expression. Mutation in HBIs and/or TCP20 resulted in impaired systemic nitrate acquisition response. Our solid genetic and molecular evidence strongly indicate that the HBI1‐TCP20 module positively regulates the CEPs‐mediated systemic nitrate acquisition.
The Counter‐Movement Through the Lens of Generation: Emancipation, Protection, and Neoliberalization in Costa Rica, 2000–2018
Authors: Rayner Jeremy , Morales Rivera Valeria
Published: November 2020

This article employs ethnography and history to consider the role of distinct age cohorts, or generations, in the emergence of powerful movements against neoliberalization in twenty‐first‐century Costa Rica, articulated around the defense of the “social state” and through a decentralized, horizontal organization practice. Utilizing Nancy Fraser's concept of the “triple movement,” we argue that attention to the politics of emancipation and of age cohorts or generations enriches our understanding of movements for social protection by drawing attention to the roles of life cycle and the formation of generations in reactions to marketization; the changing historical definition of what is deemed worth protecting from the market; and the importance of “emancipation,” both as a motive of political participation and as an organizational commitment that facilitates the articulation of intergenerational movements.
To infinity and beyond: Efficient computation of ARCH(∞) models
Authors: Nielsen Morten Ørregaard , Noël Antoine L.
Published: November 2020

This article provides an exact algorithm for efficient computation of the time series of conditional variances, and hence the likelihood function, of models that have an ARCH(∞) representation. This class of models includes, for example, the fractionally integrated generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (FIGARCH) model. Our algorithm is a variation of the fast fractional difference algorithm of Jensen, A.N. and M.Ø. Nielsen (2014), Journal of Time Series Analysis 35, 428–436. It takes advantage of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to achieve an order of magnitude improvement in computational speed. The efficiency of the algorithm allows estimation (and simulation/bootstrapping) of ARCH(∞) models, even with very large data sets and without the truncation of the filter commonly applied in the literature. In Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the elimination of the truncation of the filter reduces the bias of the quasi‐maximum‐likelihood estimators and improves out‐of‐sample forecasting. Our results are illustrated in two empirical examples.
Breastfeeding and the origins of health: Interdisciplinary perspectives and priorities
Authors: Azad Meghan B. , Nickel Nathan C. , Bode Lars , Brockway Meredith , Brown Amy , Chambers Christina , Goldhammer Camie , Hinde Katie , McGuire Michelle , Munblit Daniel , Patel Aloka L. , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Shenker Natalie , Young Bridget E. , Zuccolo Luisa
Published: November 2020

Breastfeeding and human milk (HM) are critically important to maternal, infant and population health. This paper summarizes the proceedings of a workshop that convened a multidisciplinary panel of researchers to identify key priorities and anticipated breakthroughs in breastfeeding and HM research, discuss perceived barriers and challenges to achieving these breakthroughs and propose a constructive action plan to maximize the impact of future research in this field. Priority research areas identified were as follows: (1) addressing low breastfeeding rates and inequities using mixed methods, community partnerships and implementation science approaches; (2) improving awareness of evidence‐based benefits, challenges and complexities of breastfeeding and HM among health practitioners and the public; (3) identifying differential impacts of alternative modes of HM feeding including expressed/pumped milk, donor milk and shared milk; and (4) developing a mechanistic understanding of the health effects of breastfeeding and the contributors to HM composition and variability. Key barriers and challenges included (1) overcoming methodological limitations of epidemiological breastfeeding research and mechanistic HM research; (2) counteracting ‘breastfeeding denialism’ arising from negative personal breastfeeding experiences; (3) distinguishing and aligning research and advocacy efforts; and (4) managing real and perceived conflicts of interest. To advance research on breastfeeding and HM and maximize the reach and impact of this research, larger investments are needed, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and the scientific community must engage families and other stakeholders in research planning and knowledge translation.
Acute actinomycotic brain abscess in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Kono Fumihiko , Ando Koichi , Kobayashi Yugo , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Tsutsumi Yutaka
Published: November 2020

An autopsy case of acute actinomycotic brain abscess involving a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is reported. The patient was a 72‐year‐old man with a seven‐year history of RA and pulmonary complications, who acutely developed dysarthria and dysphagia three days before death. Autopsy revealed a fresh, non‐encapsulated abscess in the “late cerebritis” stage, measuring 2 cm in diameter, in the white matter of the right parietal lobe. A small number of tiny “sulfur granules” consisting of numerous filamentous bacilli were found within the abscess. The abscess had ruptured to the lateral ventricle and elicited ventriculitis, and mild acute purulent leptomeningitis was also observed. The lung showed chronic interstitial pneumonia/pulmonary fibrosis with bronchiectasis and emphysema, and large sulfur granules were found in the lumens of a few bronchi. Less than 5% of patients with actinomycotic infection develop central nervous system lesions, and actinomycotic brain abscesses make up only 0.6% of all brain abscesses. Actinomycotic brain abscesses usually pursue a protracted clinical course, and well‐formed pyogenic membranes are commonly observed. The present case is exceptional in that the very early stage of the cerebral abscess formation was pathologically captured.
Quality of 2019 American optometric association clinical practice guideline for diabetic eye care
Authors: Gyawali Rajendra , Toomey Melinda , Stapleton Fiona , Dillon Lisa , Zangerl Barbara , Keay Lisa , Jalbert Isabelle
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The 2019 American Optometric Association (AOA) clinical practice guideline intends to assist optometrists in providing evidence‐based eye care for people with diabetes. This technical report evaluated the methodological and reporting quality of the guideline.

Methods

Four independent reviewers appraised the 2014 and 2019 versions of the AOA’s guideline using the AGREE II instrument. Average scaled scores across the six domains of the AGREE II and an overall independent score were calculated based on the formula provided.

Results

The 2019 guideline scored high (range: 75–93%) in all domains except for the domain of applicability (34%). In the domain of rigour of development, significant improvements were noted in the 2019 guideline (median score: 7.0, interquartile range (IQR): 6.0–7.0) compared to the 2014 guideline (median: 5.0, IQR: 4.0–6.0) (p < 0.0001). The appraisal of the guideline also identified room for further improvements, especially in relation to implementing the guideline.

Conclusion

The overall and domain specific quality of the AOA 2019 guideline was high, however, improvement in its applicability domain is required. The findings of this study will aid uptake of the guideline and inform improvement efforts for other international optometric guidelines.