bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymer physics and machine learning reveal a combinatorial code linking chromatin 3D architecture to 1D epigenetics
Authors: Esposito Andrea , Bianco Simona , Chiariello Andrea M. , Abraham Alex , Fiorillo Luca , Conte Mattia , Campanile Raffaele , Nicodemi Mario
Published: March 2021

The mammalian genome has a complex 3D organization, serving vital functional purposes, yet it remains largely unknown how the multitude of specific DNA contacts, e.g., between transcribed and regulatory regions, is orchestrated by chromatin organizers, such as Transcription Factors. Here, we implement a method combining machine learning and polymer physics to infer from only Hi-C data the genomic 1D arrangement of the minimal set of binding sites sufficient to recapitulate, through only physics, 3D contact patterns genome-wide in human and mouse cells. The inferred binding sites are validated by their predictions on how chromatin refolds in a set of duplications at theSox9locus against available independent cHi-C data, showing that their different phenotypes originate from distinct enhancer hijackings in their 3D structure. Albeit derived from only Hi-C, our binding sites fall in epigenetic classes that well match chromatin states from epigenetic segmentation studies, such as active, poised and repressed states. However, the inferred binding domains have an overlapping, combinatorial organization along chromosomes, missing in epigenetic segmentations, which is required to explain Hi-C contact specificity with high accuracy. In a reverse approach, the epigenetic profile of binding domains provides a code to derive from only epigenetic marks the DNA binding sites and, hence, the 3D architecture, as validated by successful predictions of Hi-C matrices in an independent set of chromosomes. Overall, our results shed light on how complex 3D architectural information is encrypted in 1D epigenetics via the related, combinatorial arrangement of specific binding sites along the genome.
Identification of the Rigid Core for Aged Liquid Droplets of the TDP-43 Low Complexity Domain
Authors: Fonda Blake D. , Jami Khaled M. , Boulos Natalie R. , Murray Dylan T.
Published: March 2021

The biomolecular condensation of proteins with low complexity sequences plays a functional role in RNA metabolism and a pathogenic role in neurodegenerative diseases. The formation of dynamic liquid droplets brings biomolecules together to achieve complex cellular functions. The rigidification of liquid droplets into β-strand-rich hydrogel structures composed of protein fibrils is thought to be purely pathological in nature. However, low complexity sequences often harbor multiple fibril-prone regions with delicately balanced functional and pathological interactions. Here, we investigate the maturation of liquid droplets formed by the low complexity domain of the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance measurements on the aged liquid droplets identify a structured core region distinct from the region thought to be most important for pathological fibril formation and aggregation. The results of this study show that multiple segments of this low complexity domain are prone to form fibrils, and that stabilization of β-strand-rich structure in one segment precludes the other region from adopting rigid fibril structure.

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Distinct sub-cellular autophagy impairments occur independently of protein aggregation in induced neurons from patients with Huntington’s disease
Authors: Pircs Karolina , Drouin-Ouellet Janelle , Gil Jeovanis , Rezeli Melinda , Grassi Daniela A. , Garza Raquel , Sharma Yogita , St-Amour Isabelle , Jönsson Marie E. , Johansson Pia A. , Harris Kate , Vuono Romina , Stoker Thomas , Hersbach Bob A. , Sharma Kritika , Lagerwall Jessica , Lagerström Stina , Storm Petter , Horváth Vivien , Hébert Sébastien S. , Marko-Varga György , Parmar Malin , Barker Roger A. , Jakobsson Johan
Published: March 2021

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG expansions in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Modelling HD has remained challenging, as rodent and cellular models poorly recapitulate the disease. To address this, we generated induced neurons (iNs) through direct reprogramming of human skin fibroblasts, which retain age-dependent epigenetic characteristics. HD-iNs displayed profound deficits in autophagy, characterised by reduced transport of late autophagic structures from the neurites to the soma. The neurite-specific alterations in autophagy resulted in shorter, thinner and fewer neurites presented by HD-iNs. CRISPRi-mediated silencing ofHTTdid not rescue this phenotype but rather resulted in additional autophagy alterations in ctrl-iNs, highlighting the importance of wild typeHTTin neuronal autophagy. In summary, our work identifies a distinct subcellular autophagy impairment in aged patient derived HD-neurons and provides a new rational for future development of autophagy activation therapies.
Arabidopsis ROOT UV-B SENSITIVE 1 and 2 Interact with Aminotransferases to Regulate Vitamin B6 Homeostasis
Authors: Tong Hongyun , Leasure Colin D. , Yen Robert , Hou Xuewen , O’Neil Nathan , Ting Dylan , Sun Ying , Zhang Shengwei , Tan Yanping , Duarte Elias Michael , Phan Stacey , Ibarra Cinthya , Chang Jo-Ting , Black Danielle , McCray Tyra , Perry Nate , Peng Xinxiang , Lee Jesi , Turcios Keirstinne , Guliaev Anton , He Zheng-Hui
Published: March 2021

Pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (PLP), the enzymatic cofactor form of Vitamin B6 (vitB6), is a versatile compound that has essential roles in metabolism. Cellular PLP homeostasic regulation is currently not well understood. Here we report that in Arabidopsis, biosynthesized PLP is sequestered by specific aminotransferases (ATs), and that the proteins ROOT UV-B SENSITIVE 1 (RUS1) and RUS2 function with ATs to regulate PLP homeostasis. The stunted growth phenotypes ofrus1andrus2mutants were previously shown to be rescuable by exogenously supplied vitB6. Specific residue changes near the PLP-binding pocket in ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE2 (ASP2) also rescuedrus1andrus2phenotypes. In this study, saturated suppressor screens identified 14 additionalsuppressor of rus(sor) alleles in four aminotransferase genes (ASP1,ASP2,ASP3, orALANIN AMINOTRANSFERASE1(AAT1)), which suppressed therusphenotypes to varying degrees. Each of thesormutations altered an amino acid in the PLP-binding pocket of the protein, and sor proteins were found to have reduced levels of PLP conjugation. Genetic data revealed that the availability of PLP normally requires both RUS1 and RUS2, and that increasing the number ofsormutants additively enhanced the suppression ofrusphenotypes. Biochemical results showed that RUS1 and RUS2 physically interacted with ATs. Our studies suggest a mechanism in which RUS1, RUS2 and specific ATs work together to regulate PLP homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
Capturing the interplay of membrane lipids and structural transitions in human ABCA7
Authors: Le Le Thi My , Thompson James R. , Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh Sepehr , Pant Shashank , Dang Phuoc X. , Kanikeyo Takahisa , Tajkhorshid Emad , Alam Amer
Published: March 2021

Phospholipid extrusion by ABC subfamily A (ABCA) exporters is central to cellular physiology, although the specifics of the underlying substrate interactions and transport mechanisms remain poorly resolved at the molecular level. Here we report cryo-EM structures of lipid-embedded human ABCA7 in an open state and a nucleotide-bound, closed state at resolutions between 3.6-4.0 Å. The former reveals an ordered patch of bilayer lipids traversing the transmembrane domain (TMD), while the latter reveals a lipid-free, closed TMD with a small extracellular opening. These structures offer a structural framework for both substrate entry and exit from the ABCA7 TMD and highlight conserved rigid-body motions that underlie the associated conformational transitions. Combined with functional analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, our data also shed light on lipid partitioning into the ABCA7 TMD and localized membrane perturbations that underlie ABCA7 function and have broader implications for other ABCA family transporters.
Spontaneous neural oscillations influence behavior and sensory representations by suppressing neuronal excitability
Authors: Iemi Luca , Gwilliams Laura , Samaha Jason , Auksztulewicz Ryszard , Cycowicz Yael M , King Jean-Remi , Nikulin Vadim V , Thesen Thomas , Doyle Werner , Devinsky Orrin , Schroeder Charles E , Melloni Lucia , Haegens Saskia
Published: March 2021

The ability to process and respond to external input is critical for adaptive behavior. Why, then, do neural and behavioral responses vary across repeated presentations of the same sensory input? Spontaneous fluctuations of neuronal excitability are currently hypothesized to underlie the trial-by-trial variability in sensory processing. To test this, we capitalized on invasive electrophysiology in neurosurgical patients performing an auditory discrimination task with visual cues: specifically, we examined the interaction between prestimulus alpha oscillations, excitability, task performance, and decoded neural stimulus representations. We found that strong prestimulus oscillations in the alpha+ band (i.e., alpha and neighboring frequencies), rather than the aperiodic signal, correlated with a low excitability state, indexed by reduced broadband high-frequency activity. This state was related to slower reaction times and reduced neural stimulus encoding strength. We propose that the alpha+ rhythm modulates excitability, thereby resulting in variability in behavior and sensory representations despite identical input.
Memory CD8+T cells mediate early pathogen-specific protection through localized delivery of chemokines and IFNγ to clusters of inflammatory monocytes
Authors: Boutet Marie , Benet Zachary , Guillen Erik , Koch Caroline , Soudja Saidi M’Homa , Delahaye Fabien , Fooksman David , Lauvau Grégoire
Published: March 2021

While cognate antigen drives clonal expansion of memory CD8+T cells to achieve sterilizing immunity in immunized hosts, not much is known on how cognate antigen contributes to early mechanisms of protection before clonal expansion occurs. Herein, using distinct models of immunization, we establish that cognate antigen recognition by CD8+TMcells on dendritic cells initiates their rapid and coordinated production of a burst of CCL3, CCL4 and XCL1 chemokines under the transcriptional control of IRF4. Using intravital microscopy imaging andin vivomonoclonal antibody labelling, we reveal that memory CD8+T cells undergo antigen-mediated arrest in splenic red pulp clusters of CCR2+monocytes where they locally deliver both IFNγ- and chemokine-potentiating microbicidal activities to achieve early protection. Thus, rapid and effective memory CD8+T cell responses require a complex series of spatially and temporally coordinated stepwise molecular and cellular events that quickly restrict microbial pathogen growth and optimize the local delivery of effector molecules before clonal expansion occurs.
Transcription factor action orchestrates the complex expression pattern ofCRABS CLAW, a gynoecium developmental regulator in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gross Thomas , Becker Annette
Published: March 2021

The flower of angiosperms is the most complex organ that plants generate and many transcription factors (TFs) are involved to regulate its morphogenesis in a coordinated way. In its center, the gynoecium develops consisting of specialized tissues such as secondary meristems, sites of postgenital fusion, ovules, pollen transmitting tract, all to assure successful sexual reproduction. Gynoecium development requires tight regulation of developmental regulators across time and tissues. However, while we know of several examples how simple on/off regulation of gene expression is achieved in plants, it remains unclear which regulatory processes generate complex expression patterns. Here, we use the gynoecium developmental regulatorCRABS CLAW (CRC)from Arabidopsis to study regulatory mechanisms contributing to its sophisticated expression pattern. Using a combination ofin silicopromoter analyses, global TF-DNA interaction screens, co-expression and mutant analysis we find that miRNA action, DNA methylation, and chromatin remodeling do not contribute substantially toCRCregulation. We show that a plethora of TFs bind to theCRCpromoter to fine-tune transcript abundance by activation of transcription, linkingCRCto specific developmental processes but not biotic or abiotic stress. Interestingly, the temporal-spatial aspects of regulation of expression may be under the control of redundantly acting genes and may require higher order complex formation at TF binding sites. We conclude that endogenous regulation of complex expression pattern of Arabidopsis genes requires orchestrated transcription factor action on several conserved promotor sites over almost 4 kb in length.

Significance statement

Different to genes that are simply switched on or off, depending on an environmental cue we find that genes directing development in plants often show complex expression pattern dependent on internal factors only. Here, we addressed the question how an complex expression pattern is achieved and use theCRABS CLAW (CRC)gene required for gynoecium development as an example. Combining wet lab experiments andin silicoanalysis we find that epigenetic regulation plays only a minor role and that a large number of transcription factors activates the transcription ofCRC. Single regulators may have a profound effect onCRCtranscript abundance but less so on the pattern of expression. Complex patterns most likely require the interplay of several transcription factors.
The motivation of operatives in small construction firms towards health and safety – A conceptual framework
Authors: Khan Sunan Babar , Proverbs David G. , Xiao Hong
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Health and safety in small construction firms is often neglected by owners leading to poor health and safety performance and unacceptably high fatality and injury rates. A body of knowledge has established significant links between the motivational behaviours of operatives towards health and safety. Motivation is also considered as a key tool for improving operative productivity as when operatives experience safe worksites, they can carry out their work in a more productive manner. The purpose of this research is to develop a framework to examine the motivational factors that affect operative health and safety in small construction firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review and synthesis of the body of knowledge incorporating motivational theory, health and safety literature and the factors which characterise small firms, is used to develop the framework.

Findings

Key components of the framework include the presence of intrinsic and extrinsic components, appropriate health and safety policies and procedures, the type of work environment, the operatives (i.e. attitude, experience and training) as well as the presence of appropriate management and supervision. The study revealed that operatives in small firms are less likely to be extrinsically motivated due to the absence of training, management commitment, policies and the wider working environment

Research limitations/implications

Failure of motivational support can result in increased danger and risk in exposing operatives to injury in the small firm environment. In this context, the damage caused to operative's health and safety in small construction firms is dependent mainly on the extrinsic factors.

Practical implications

The framework provides a basis for improving our understanding of how to motivate operatives to act safely and will help to improve the health and safety performance of small firms. It is therefore vital to emphasise enhancement efforts on these extrinsic strategies in the small firms' environment especially in the initial stages of the project (or activity), so that the health and safety of operatives in small firms can be improved.

Originality/value

This study proposes a contribution in developing an understanding of the motivational factors and their influence on the health and safety of operatives in small construction firms. The study revealed that operatives in small firms are less likely to be extrinsically motivated and have only intrinsically motivated elements in their workplace. The study proposes an indirect link between the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect motivation.
The impact of certification on the elements of TQM exploring the influence of company size and industry
Authors: Lepistö Kari , Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study examines whether certification improves the dimensions of total quality management (TQM) and whether the impact of certification is similar across companies of different sizes and industries. The benefits of certification for companies have been widely discussed in recent years. The general debate has been partly marked by the dispute about whether companies will benefit more from certification or the implementation of TQM. This debate has led to numerous studies on the benefits of certification; however, few studies simultaneously have examined traditional TQM issues and the requirements of the new quality standard, ISO 9001: 2015, as well as the updated European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted via a survey of Finnish SMEs and covered both industrial and service companies. The study comprehensively compared industrial companies with service companies and small companies with medium-sized companies.

Findings

In industrial and small enterprises, certification clearly has a positive effect on the dimensions of TQM, but a similar effect was not observed in medium-sized enterprises or in the service sector.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to examine the effect of certification on TQM in different types of SMEs while simultaneously considering EFQM and ISO 9001:2015 in Finland. The significant originality of this research lies in the formation of a comprehensive research framework for the dimensions of TQM.
The role of the employees' individual resources in the perception of the work overload
Authors: Pluta Anna , Rudawska Aleksandra
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The contemporary world's pressure, oriented on flexibility and quick actions, has permanently changed work characteristics. Taking the employees' perspective into account, it seems important to identify whether and which of the employees' individual resources help them cope with those job demands. Therefore, the main research question is what is the relation between holistically conceptualised employees' individual resources and perceived work overload?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature on individual resources and job demands, the authors test for relations between three components of individual resources (physical, emotional, spiritual potentials) and job characteristics (work variability and work diversity) and the perceived work overload. Data were collected using a survey method amongst 336 Polish knowledge workers.

Findings

The results partially supported the posed hypotheses. Both work variability and work diversity relate positively to work overload. Only the physical potential is related directly and negatively to perceived work overload. The spiritual potential relates indirectly to work overload through work diversity. The authors also found that age moderates the relation between physical and spiritual potential and overload.

Research limitations/implications

Human resource management (HRM) practitioners and supervisors need to consider the level of employee's individual resources, especially when dealing with older employees and their physical resources.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research on the causes of work overload perception by identifying the role of individual resources and employees' age, thereby indicating that taking care of those resources could be another way of preventing occupational burnout in demanding work conditions.
The concerns associated with future prospects of the food cart business in Chittagong, Bangladesh: is the concept of halalan tayyiba missing link?
Authors: Islam Ariful , Wahab Sazali Abd
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The informal segment compared to the formal segment is developing rapidly in urban areas of many developing Muslim countries. However, matter of fact, the contribution factor of the food cart business to the economic outline of the country has been vastly overlooked or neglected. The authority, policymakers, social organisations, vendors and the customers together need to play a contributing role based on intervention tactics regarding the major focus areas related to the development of this business segment. As a result, this study aims to explore concerns or issues that are hampering future business prospects considering the philosophy of halalan tayyiba.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has organised 16 semi-structured interview procedures with relevant food cart vendors of Chittagong, Bangladesh. The study selected participants (food cart vendors) from lower- to medium-income areas occupying at least one high school, one college in relation to several commercial premises (ex-mini shopping malls, offices and small factories) considering 6 out of 41 wards of Chittagong city corporation. All meetings with reflected participants were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim and transcripts were loaded into NVivo for coding and analysis procedure.

Findings

This investigation revealed that issues with food security, weather, lack of proper legislation, lack of awareness related with halalan tayyiba and erratic policies are the major challenges for the development of the food cart business in Chittagong. This study also advances how street food security well-being and hygiene practices are a piece of the halal idea and should in this way be adjusted by the halal food segment to accomplish halalan tayyiba affirmation. The outcomes also indicate an agenda for future research in this area.

Research limitations/implications

More reflections from the different stakeholders do have both pertinence and potential for incorporation in suggestions.

Practical implications

The detected findings may help both authority and other concerned entities to identify the critical dynamics to initiate appropriate strategic activities towards local economic growth considering halalan tayyiba outlines.

Social implications

It will ensure social well-being and food security.

Originality/value

This explorative research is one of few studies in the Bangladesh context, which is investigating halalan tayyiba-oriented business development outline for micro entrepreneurs.
The relationships among self-efficacy, health literacy, self-care and glycemic control in older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Saleh Ariyanti , Wirda Wirda , Irwan Andi Masyitha , Latif Aulia Insani
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the relationships among self-efficacy, health literacy, self-care and glycemic control in older people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a descriptive analytics correlational study with a cross-sectional design. The sampling method was purposive sampling involving 68 older people with type 2 DM.

Findings

The results showed that self-efficacy, health literacy and self-care correlated with glycemic control at significant levels of p = 0.020, p = 0.002 and p = 0.022, respectively.

Practical implications

Nurses should help older people with type 2 DM in maintaining their self-efficacy and self-care and increasing their health literacy to ensure their glycemic control is in normal state.

Originality/value

This study showed that self-care, self-efficacy and health literacy had a significant correlation with glycemic control in older people with type 2 DM. It indicates that the better self-care, self-efficacy and health literacy of patients, the more likely the patients’ blood HbA1C level to be in the normal range.
Escherichia coli segments its controls on carbon‐dependent gene expression into global and specific regulations
Authors: Pan Qing , Li Zongjin , Ju Xian , Hou Chaofan , Xiao Yunzhu , Shi Ruoping , Fu Chunxiang , Danchin Antoine , You Conghui
Published: March 2021

How bacteria adjust gene expression to cope with variable environments remains open to question. Here, we investigated the way global gene expression changes in E. coli correlated with the metabolism of seven carbon substrates chosen to trigger a large panel of metabolic pathways. Coarse‐grained analysis of gene co‐expression identified a novel regulation pattern: we established that the gene expression trend following immediately the reduction of growth rate (GR) was correlated to its initial expression level. Subsequent fine‐grained analysis of co‐expression demonstrated that the Crp regulator, coupled with a change in GR, governed the response of most GR‐dependent genes. By contrast, the Cra, Mlc and Fur regulators governed the expression of genes responding to non‐glycolytic substrates, glycolytic substrates or phosphotransferase system transported sugars following an idiosyncratic way. This work allowed us to expand additional genes in the panel of gene complement regulated by each regulator and to elucidate the regulatory functions of each regulator comprehensively. Interestingly, the bulk of genes controlled by Cra and Mlc were, respectively, co‐regulated by Crp‐ or GR‐related effect and our quantitative analysis showed that each factor took turns to work as the primary one or contributed equally depending on the conditions.
Mechanisms Controlling Climate Warming Impact on the Occurrence of Hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Tian Richard , Cerco Carl F. , Bhatt Gopal , Linker Lewis C. , Shenk Gary W.
Published: March 2021

Climate change represents an increasing stressor on estuarine and coastal ecosystems. A series of simulations were run using the Integrated Compartment Water Quality Model to determine the magnitude of various mechanisms controlling the effect of climate warming on dissolved oxygen (DO) in the Chesapeake Bay. The results suggested that the average hypoxic volume in the summer would increase by 9% (410 Mm3) from 1995 to 2025 as air temperature increases by 1.06°C and water temperature by 0.9°C. The change in DO solubility contributes 55% of the total climate warming effect, biological rates 33%, and stratification 11%. The Rappahannock Shoal, a hydraulic control point, plays a major role in determining the effect of climate warming on DO in the Bay. Due to the abrupt change in bathymetry, the convergence between seaward‐moving freshwater and landward‐moving saltwater causes downwelling and enhanced vertical mixing which introduces surface water of higher temperature to the deep channel and accelerates organic matter remineralization and oxygen consumption in deep waters. Surface water DO concentrations will decrease under climate warming conditions due to lower DO solubility, reducing DO flux to the deep channel and contributing to hypoxia development. These findings provide critical information for future management decision making regarding the effects of climate warming on DO in Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries.
Dacomitinib as a retreatment for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patient with an uncommon EGFR mutation
Authors: Morita Ayako , Hosokawa Shinobu , Yamada Kotaro , Umeno Takahiro , Kano Hirohisa , Kayatani Hiroe , Shiojiri Masaaki , Sakugawa Makoto , Bessho Akihiro
Published: March 2021

In non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are mutations other than Ex19 deletion and Ex21 L858R, which are common mutations highly sensitive to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Afatinib, a second‐generation EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in patients with uncommon mutations. Dacomitinib, another second‐generation EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has not previously been shown to be effective in patients with uncommon mutations. Here, we report the efficacy of dacomitinib for uncommon EGFR mutations in a 71‐year‐old woman diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with uncommon EGFR mutation (Ex18 G719A). Afatinib was administered as the first‐line treatment, and a remarkable antitumor effect was observed. However, the tumor grew after 14 months. Pemetrexed plus carboplatin followed by pemetrexed, docetaxel, atezolizumab and S‐1 were performed in sequence. Although approximately four years had passed since the start of treatment, her physical condition was good. The patient started dacomitinib as the sixth‐line treatment. Lesions were markedly reduced and treatment with dacomitinib was continued for 7.8 months. Dacomitinib is a possible treatment option for NSCLC with uncommon mutations.
Endobronchial brachytherapy combined with surgical procedure for synchronous multiple primary lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Omori Kazuki , Nomoto Yoshihito , Kawamura Tomoko , Kubooka Makiko , Kawaguchi Koji , Ii Noriko , Takada Akinori , Toyomasu Yutaka , Sakuma Hajime
Published: March 2021

The management of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer is a challenge. In this report, we describe our experience in a patient with three synchronous multiple cancers. The first lesion was completely surgically removed, the second lesion received postoperative irradiation, and the third lesion was treated with radiotherapy alone. Radiation therapies were performed using a combination of external irradiation and endobronchial brachytherapy. Endobronchial brachytherapy is an effective radiation therapy for endobronchial tumors owing to its advantage of high‐dose concentration. However, adverse events (AEs) such as hemoptysis or severe bronchitis are a problem. Thus, we have developed an applicator to keep the radioactive source in the center of the bronchial lumen. A total of 28 months after treatment, the patient had not experienced any relapses or AEs. Endobronchial brachytherapy using an applicator can be an alternative treatment for cases in which surgery is expected to lead to pulmonary dysfunction.
Revealing Research Themes and Trends in 30 Top‐ranking Accounting Journals: A Text‐mining Approach
Authors: Zengul Ferhat D. , Oner Nurettin , Byrd James D. , Savage Arline
Published: March 2021

This study reveals themes and trends in accounting research over the past 20 years by utilizing natural language processing and text‐mining techniques. We generated a corpus consisting of over 40,000 articles through multiple searches in EBSCOhost Business Source Premier, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to gather data from 30 highly ranked (A* and A) journals that were listed and categorized by the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) as the top accounting journals. Based upon predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, we eliminated 24,474 non‐empirical articles and those with no abstracts, resulting in 16,449 abstracts. The text‐mining analyses reveal 15 distinct clusters, with five clusters showing downward trends, six trending upward, and four maintaining stability. The downward trending clusters are: (1) capital markets; (2) financial reporting; (3) accounting education, careers, and diversity; (4) earnings/markets; and (5) accounting history and capitalism. Trending upward are: (1) critical accounting; (2) auditing; (3) corporate governance; (4) corporate social responsibility; (5) debt financing; and (6) financial markets and forecasting. Stable clusters are: (1) managerial accounting; (2) international accounting standards; (3) taxation; and (4) governmental accounting. This study introduces an innovative method for discerning themes and trends in accounting research and offers a guide to neophyte accounting faculty for determining publishing outlets for research. In utilizing our findings to drill down and provide more detailed knowledge, it also serves as a reference point for future text‐mining studies.
Age as a predictor of quit attempts and quit success in smoking cessation: findings from the International Tobacco Control Four‐Country survey (2002–14)
Authors: Arancini Lauren , Borland Ron , Le Grande Michael , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Dodd Seetal , Dean Olivia M. , Berk Michael , McNeill Ann , Fong Geoffrey T. , Cummings K. Michael
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Past research has found that young smokers are more likely to make quit attempts; however, there are conflicting findings regarding age and quit success. This study examined the degree to which smoker age is related to making quit attempts and quit success.

Design

Ten waves of the International Tobacco Control Policy Cohort survey (ITC‐4C) collected between 2002 and 2014, with nine wave‐to‐wave transitions with predictors at the first wave predicting quit attempts and success by the next wave.

Setting

Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Participants

Data from 15 874 smokers categorized into four age groups at baseline (18–24, 25–39, 40–54 and 55+ years).

Measurements

Age, quit attempts and success (defined as ≥ 30 days abstinence confirmed, if possible, on a third wave for recent attempts).

Findings

Older smokers were more likely to smoke daily (χ2 = 1557.86, r = 0.136, P < 0.001) than younger smokers. Daily smokers were less likely to report quit attempts (38.1 versus 58.2%) and to achieve 30 days of abstinence (22.9 versus 34.3%) than non‐daily smokers. Older daily smokers were less likely to make quit attempts [0.61, confidence interval (CI) = 0.54–0.70, P < 0.001], even after controlling for indicators of nicotine dependence, country, sex, education, income, relationship status and household composition, than younger smokers. Younger smokers (< 25) were more likely to succeed for at least 30 days of abstinence, but only when compared with those aged 40–54 (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.68–0.99). However, when controlling for heaviness of smoking the age effect disappeared. Significant interactions with age were found between age and intention when predicting quit attempts, and age and heaviness of smoking when predicting quit success.

Conclusions

An international cohort study indicates that young smokers are more likely to attempt to quit and appear to have similar levels of success in abstaining from smoking compared with older smokers when controlling for dependence. Quit success in all ages is most predicted by lower levels of nicotine dependence.
The impact of depressed mood and coping motives on cannabis use quantity across the menstrual cycle in those with and without pre‐menstrual dysphoric disorder
Authors: Joyce Kayla M. , Thompson Kara , Good Kimberley P. , Tibbo Philip G. , O'Leary M. Elizabeth , Perrot Tara S. , Hudson Amanda , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Reported rates of cannabis use among Canadian females are increasing. Female cannabis users progress to cannabis use disorder more rapidly than males (telescoping) and have higher rates of emotional disorder comorbidity. Addictive behaviors may change, along with mood and motivations, across the menstrual cycle (MC), particularly for females with pre‐menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study aimed to determine whether increases in depressed mood and coping motives would predict increased cannabis use pre‐menstrually/menstrually, particularly among females with PMDD. We also assessed positive mood and enhancement motive ratings to establish specificity of predicted depressed mood and coping motive results.

Design

Observational study using data collected across 32 days using electronic daily diary methods.

Setting

Nova Scotia, Canada.

Participants

Sixty‐nine naturally cycling female cannabis users (Mean (M)age = 29.25, Standard Deviation  (SD) = 5.66) with and without retrospectively identified PMDD (viastructured clinical interview) and prospectively identified PMDD (viaelevated pre‐menstrual depressed mood). Self‐reported MC phase was validated using salivary progesterone concentrations.

Measurements

Depressed/positive mood, coping‐/enhancement‐motivated cannabis use, and cannabis use quantity.

Findings

Coping motives explained heightened cannabis use pre‐menstrually/menstrually in those with retrospectively identified PMDD. Depressed mood explained increased cannabis use menstrually in those with retrospectively/prospectively identified PMDD. Moreover, prospectively identified PMDD significantly moderated the relationship between depressed mood and cannabis use quantity menstrually. In those with prospectively identified PMDD, positive mood and enhancement motives were associated with decreased cannabis use during the follicular/ovulatory phases. Females with versus without retrospectively identified PMDD also displayed greater overall cannabis use quantity (M[SD] = 3.44[2.84] standard joint equivalents versus 1.85[1.82], respectively;U = 277.50,P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Depressed mood may explain heightened cannabis use menstrually in females with pre‐menstrual dysphoric disorder. Coping motives may explain heightened cannabis use pre‐menstrually/menstrually in females with retrospectively identified with pre‐menstrual dysphoric disorder.
Rediscovering the rare genus Arietocometes Santos‐Silva & Tavakilian, 2009 (Coleoptera: Disteniidae): a review with description of three new species and an identification key
Authors: Botero Juan Pablo , Santos‐Silva Antonio
Published: March 2021

The genus Arietocometes Santos‐Silva & Tavakilian, 2009, is reviewed and a translation of its original description is provided, with correction of the elytral apex shape. Three new species are described: A. virgatus sp. nov., from Ecuador (Napo) and Colombia (Nariño); A. punctusdiaphoros sp. nov., from Colombia (Nariño); and A. terryi sp. nov., from Ecuador (Napo). Notes on the type‐locality of A. apicalis (Waterhouse, 1880), chromatic variation in A. giesberti (Hovore & Santos‐Silva, 2007), and A. nearnsi (Hovore & Santos‐Silva, 2007), and a few comments on A. rileyi (Hovore and Santos‐Silva, 2007), A. violaceicollis (Villiers, 1958), and A. wappesi (Santos‐Silva & Martins, 2004) are provided. The male terminalia is illustrated and described for the first time in the genus. Additionally, photographs of all known Arietocometes species are included, and an updated key to species of the genus is presented. This work is the most comprehensive revision carried out on this group to date and includes all currently known species.
We Should Have Asked What Year We Were In! Wastelands and Wilderness in the Văcărești Park
Authors: Cotoi Calin
Published: March 2021

In Central and Eastern Europe, nature protected areas came into being in a dramatically changing society, economy, and culture. Formerly industrial and infrastructural landscapes have been both materially and semantically reshaped through practices of restoration and attempts to revitalise ruins of failed modernisation projects. Around a socialist‐era empty lake, landowners, real estate developers, casino capitalism, displaced people, hopes, fantasies, wild and stray animals converged, creating a differentially ordered landscape in an antagonistically articulated coexistence of wastelands and nature. Văcărești Nature Park developed a specific historical and social trajectory, as it became closely related with local middle‐class projects and anxieties. In it, socialist ruins came into direct, sensuous contact with both nature and the fractured history of post‐1990s Bucharest capitalism, enacting a twin infrastructural and ecological inversion.
Effect of eplerenone on choroidal blood flow changes during isometric exercise in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Gallice Mathilde , Daruich Alejandra , Matet Alexandre , Mouvet Victoria , Dirani Ali , Evequoz Gilles , Geiser Martial , Behar Cohen Francine , Chiquet Christophe
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate choroidal blood flow changes after isometric exercise in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy nontreated or treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA).

Methods

Foveolar choroidal laser Doppler flowmetry parameters – velocity (ChVel), volume (ChVol) and blood flow (ChBF) – of 22 eyes of 22 treated patients, 16 eyes of 16 untreated patients and 19 healthy controls were measured during a squatting test. Treatment consisted in MRA administration (eplerenone 50 mg/day or spironolactone 50 mg/day). The experiment comprised three successive periods: 30 seconds of rest, 2 min of continuous squatting exercise, and 150 seconds of recovery. Significance levels were calculated using a generalized estimating equation.

Results

During the squatting period, nontreated CSCR eyes had a similar change in ChVel (p = 0.8), ChVol (p = 0.8), ChBF (p = 0.5) and resistance to healthy eyes. Treated CSCR eyes exhibited significantly smaller changes in ChVel (−0.1 ± 11%, p = 0.04) than healthy eyes (6 ± 8%). No significant difference was found for ChVol and ChBF between the groups. The increase in ChVol from baseline in the nontreated CSCR group (4.4 ± 9%) was lower than that of treated group (6.7%±11%; p = 0.01). Finally, ChBF and ChVel changes in the CSCR groups were not significantly different.

Conclusions

No abnormalities were detected in the changes in ChBF parameters during increased ocular perfusion pressure in nontreated CSCR patients compared with controls. MRA treatment in CSCR patients induced a significant reduction in ChBVel and an increase in ChBVol in response to isometric exercise, suggesting that MRA exerts effects on choroidal vascular changes.
Exploring service user and family perspectives of a Culturally adapted Family Intervention (CaFI) for African‐Caribbean people with psychosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Jensen Eve , Carr Rosie , Degnan Amy , Berry Katherine , Edge Dawn
Published: March 2021

Objectives

In the UK, people of African‐Caribbean background have the highest rates of psychosis and greatest inequity in mental health services of all ethnicities. National policies have highlighted the lack of evidence‐based psychological interventions for this group. The aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of a novel Culturally adapted Family Intervention (CaFI) for African‐Caribbean individuals diagnosed with non‐affective psychosis and their relatives.

Design

A qualitative design.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews conducted with 22 service users and 12 family members following participation in CaFI. The interview topic guide included perceptions of the needs and benefits of CaFI; usefulness, cultural specificity and accessibility of CaFI therapy and supporting materials; content and delivering of CaFI sessions; views and experiences of working with CaFI therapists; and perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Results

Deductive framework analysis identified three main themes for service users: perceived benefits, barriers and limitations, and delivery of the therapy. Four themes were identified for family members: perceived benefits, perceptions of therapists, delivery of therapy, and accessibility of therapy content, supporting materials, and cultural appropriateness.

Conclusions

CaFI was found to be an acceptable intervention for African‐Caribbean service users with psychosis and their relatives. Family interventions considering the needs of ethnic and cultural groups have the potential to improve the mental health care and experiences of service users and their families.

Practitioner points

The Culturally adapted Family Intervention (CaFI) was viewed as acceptable to African‐Caribbean service users with psychosis and their families.

Through adapting interventions to be more culturally sensitive, it is possible to enhance the care of those who typically have poor engagement with mental health services.

In‐keeping with their ethos of individualized care delivery, mental health services should place more emphasis on being able to offer appropriate, culturally adapted interventions to their service users.
Vitamin D regulation of energy metabolism in cancer
Authors: Sheeley Madeline P. , Andolino Chaylen , Kiesel Violet A. , Teegarden Dorothy
Published: March 2021

Vitamin D exerts anti‐cancer effects in recent clinical trials and preclinical models. The actions of vitamin D are primarily mediated through its hormonal form, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). Previous literature describing in vitro studies has predominantly focused on the anti‐tumourigenic effects of the hormone, such as proliferation and apoptosis. However, recent evidence has identified 1,25(OH)2D as a regulator of energy metabolism in cancer cells, where requirements for specific energy sources at different stages of progression are dramatically altered. The literature suggests that 1,25(OH)2D regulates energy metabolism, including glucose, glutamine and lipid metabolism during cancer progression, as well as oxidative stress protection, as it is closely associated with energy metabolism. Mechanisms involved in energy metabolism regulation are an emerging area in which vitamin D may inhibit multiple stages of cancer progression.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on New avenues in cancer prevention and treatment (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.12/issuetoc
Childhood asthma: Novel endotyping by cytokines, validated through sensitization profiles and clinical characteristics
Authors: Salvermoser Michael , Zeber Kathrin , Boeck Andreas , Klucker Elisabeth , Schaub Bianca
Published: March 2021

Background

Specific allergy sensitization pattern, using “component‐resolved diagnosis” (CRD), is a central component of allergy and asthma in childhood. Besides this, allergic asthma has been characterized by a Th2‐shifted endotype with elevation of classical Th2 cytokines. Recently, other endotypes with distinct mechanisms focusing on cytokine regulation evolved, yet those pathways are still not well understood.

Objective

(a) To define reproducible immunological endotypes using cytokine expression in an asthma cohort and (b) to characterize their sensitization profile and clinical phenotype.

Methods

Supernatants from PBMCs of 234 children (median age 10 years) of an asthma cohort were analysed for cytokine expressions. The children were split into a training (n = 49) and validation (n = 185) group. The training group was used to identify immunological endotypes by clustering cytokine expressions, which were then assessed regarding clinical characteristics and specific IgE of recombinant allergen components. Next, our findings were validated in the validation group.

Results

We identified novel endotypes based on primarily unstimulated cytokine expression. One endotype showed an IFN‐γ/Interleukin (IL)‐17/IL‐5 predominance, a different sensitization pattern (high in birch/apple; p < .01), and inferior lung function (p < .01). A second endotype grouped young children with food allergy and reduced lung function. Our findings were reproducible in the validation group.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

We identified two novel clinical asthma endotypes via cytokine expression pattern with distinct sensitization patterns. These novel findings are critical for clinical guidance and open avenues for identifying underlying mechanisms and more patient‐specific therapies.