bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Language Processing to Identify Patients with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hussein Khalil I , Chan Lili , Van Vleck Tielman , Beers Kelly , Mindt Monica R , Wolf Michael , Curtis Laura M. , Agarwal Parul , Wisnivesky Juan , Nadkarni Girish N. , Federman Alex
Published: February 2022

INTRODUCTION

Early detection of patients with cognitive impairment may facilitate care for individuals in this population. Natural language processing (NLP) is a potential approach to identifying patients with cognitive impairment from electronic health records (EHR).

METHODS

We used three machine learning algorithms (logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, and random forest) using clinical terms extracted by NLP to predict cognitive impairment in a cohort of 199 patients. Cognitive impairment was defined as a mini-mental status exams (MMSE) score <24.

RESULTS

NLP identified 69 (35%) patients with cognitive impairment and ICD codes identified 44 (22%). Using MMSE as a reference standard, NLP sensitivity was 35%, specificity 66%, precision 41%, and NPV 61%. The random forest method had the best test parameters; sensitivity 95%, specificity 100%, precision 100%, and NPV 97%

DISCUSSION

NLP can identify adults with cognitive impairment with moderate test performance that is enhanced with machine learning.
Assessing the health benefits of physical activity due to active commuting in a French energy transition scenario
Authors: Barban Pierre , de Nazelle Audrey , Chatelin Stéphane , Quirion Philippe , Jean Kévin
Published: February 2022

Background

Energy transition scenarios are prospective outlooks describing combinations of changes in socio-economic systems that are compatible with climate targets. These changes could have important health co-benefits. We aimed to quantify the health benefits of physical activity caused by active transportation on all-cause mortality in the French negaWatt scenario over the 2021-2050 period.

Methods

Relying on a health impact assessment framework, we quantified the health benefits of increased walking, cycling and E-biking projected in the negaWatt scenario. The negaWatt scenario assumes increases of walking and cycling volumes of +11% and +612%, respectively, over the study period.

Results

As compared to a scenario with no volume increase, we quantified that the negaWatt scenario would prevent 9,797 annual premature deaths in 2045 and translate into a 3-month increase of life expectancy in the general population. These health gains would generate €34 billion of economic benefits from 2045 onwards,

Conclusions

Increased physical activity implied in the negaWatt transition scenario would generate substantial public health benefits, which are comparable to the gain expected by large scale health prevention interventions.
A new insight into MYC action: control of RNA polymerase II methylation and transcription termination
Authors: Scagnoli Fiorella , Palma Alessandro , Favia Annarita , Scuoppo Claudio , Illi Barbara , Nasi Sergio
Published: February 2022

A common catastrophic event in most human cancers is deregulation of MYC, a multifunctional transcription factor that controls gene expression in partnership with MAX and drives key biological mechanisms of the cell. Restraining its activity impairs cancer cell features and prevents tumor development, as shown by Omomyc - a 90 amino acid mini-protein interfering with MYC activity. MYC regulates many aspects of transcription by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), such as activation, pause release, and elongation. That it may have a role in transcription termination as well is suggested by our finding of an interaction between MYC and the Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), which catalyzes symmetrical dimethylation of RNAPII at the arginine residue R1810 (R1810me2s) allowing proper termination and splicing of transcripts. Here we show that MYC overexpression strongly increases R1810me2s, while the concomitant expression of Omomyc or a MYC-specific shRNA counteracts this capacity. Omomyc impairs as well Serine 2 phosphorylation in the RNAPII carboxyterminal domain, a modification that sustains transcript elongation and is enhanced by MYC. By displacing MYC on DNA, Omomyc reshapes RNAPII distribution along genes, leading to greater occupancy of promoter and termination sites. It is unclear how this may affect expression of the variety of genes that control metabolic, biosynthetic, and other pathways and are up or down regulated upon MYC inhibition. Genes belonging to a signature of direct MYC targets are instead strongly downregulated following MYC inhibition, with a weak correlation with RNAPII occupancy at promoters. Our data point to a MYC/ PRMT5/RNAPII axis that controls termination via RNAPII dimethylation (R1810me2s) and may contribute to fine-tune the expression of genes altered by MYC overexpression in cancer cells. It remains to be seen which role this may have in tumor development and maintenance.
Reconstitution and Expression of mcy Gene Cluster in The Model Cyanobacterium Synechococcus 7942 Reveals a Roll of MC-LR in Cell Division
Authors: Zheng Yanli , Xue Chunling , Chen Hui , Jia Anqi , Zhao Liang , Zhang Junli , Zhang Lixin , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2022

Cyanobacterial blooms pose a serious threat to public health due to the presence of cyanotoxins. The most common cyanotoxins, microcystins (MCs), can cause acute poisoning at high concentrations and hepatocellular carcinoma following chronic exposure. Among all MC variants, MC-LR produced by Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 is the most common toxic MC. Although the biosynthetic pathway for MC-LR has been proposed, experimental support of this pathway is lacking. In an effort to experimentally validate this pathway, we expressed the 55 kb microcystin biosynthetic gene cluster (mcy cluster) (mcyA–J) and produced MC-LR in the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus 7942. We designed and constructed the strong bidirectional promoter biPpsbA2 between mcyA and mcyD, reassembled the mcy cluster in yeast by transformation-associated recombination (TAR cloning), transformed the gene cluster into the NSII site of Synechococcus 7942, and successfully expressed MC-LR at a level of 0.006–0.018 fg cell−1 day−1. The expression of MC-LR led to abnormal cell division and the filamentation of Synechococcus 7942 cells, further analysis proved a role of MC-LR in functional assembly of the cell division protein FtsZ, by competing its GTP binding site. These results represent the first synthetic biological expression of the mcy cluster and the autotrophic production of MC-LR in a photosynthetic model organism, which lays the foundation for resolving the MC biosynthesis pathway. The suggested role of MC-LR in cell division reveals a mechanism of how blooming cyanobacteria gain a competitive edge over their non-blooming counterparts.

Highlights

We expressed the 55 kb mcy cluster and produced MC-LR in the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus 7942.

This is the first realized production of MC in the model non-toxin-production cyanobacteria from CO2 by photosynthesis.

Compared with the self-replicating plasmid, the recombination of the mcy cluster into the genome of Synechococcus 7942 is more suitable for the heterologous production of microcystin.

MC-LR inhibits cell division by irreversibly competing the GTP binding domain of the cell division protein FtsZ.

The newly discovered effect of MC-LR on cell division reveals a mechanism of how blooming cyanobacteria gain competitive edge over their non-blooming counterparts.
A simplified relationship between the modified O-lattice and the rotation matrix for generating the coincidence site lattice of an arbitrary Bravais lattice system
Authors: Liu Hongwei
Published: February 2022

The coincidence site lattice (CSL) is important for characterizing the structure and energy state of grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials. A simplified relationship between the modified O-lattice and the corresponding rotation matrix is proposed to establish a general formula for the CSL and the near coincidence site lattice (NCSL) in Bravais lattice systems. The general formula paves the way to computer simulation and crystallographic analysis of grain boundaries.
Managing enterprise social media to develop consumer trust
Authors: Tseng Hsiao-Ting , Shanmugam Mohana , Magalingam Pritheega , Shahbazi Shahriyar , Featherman Mauricio S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study examines the impact of social media information sharing and usage on consumer beliefs particularly in the credibility of the information provided by e-commerce vendors, and consumer trust formation.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on trust through social media usage and surface credibility, the authors have proposed a research model to investigate consumers satisfaction on food and beverage (F&B) products. Empirical support for the research model was provided by using structural equation modelling using survey data drawn from Malaysian consumers with an account with Facebook.

Findings

Results indicate that consumer participation in social media communities support higher levels of consumer trust and ratings of the surface credibility of information provided by an F&B vendor, and surface credibility also helped to develop consumer trust. Trust in the vendor also exerted a positive influence on consumer satisfaction with F&B product offerings. Results suggest that F&B that provide credible and transparent information regarding their branded products, enjoy increased levels of consumer trust, leading to higher levels of consumer satisfaction with their F&B consumption experience.

Originality/value

The result of this research contributes to social commerce branch of literature and has practical implications for practitioners in the F&B industry as a means to survival strategies to embrace critical and challenging period during an endemic, particularly. As such, this study analyses the relationship between social media usage, surface credibility, trust and satisfaction for developing consumer trust while managing enterprise social media.
Productization and product structure enabling BIM implementation in construction
Authors: Mansoori Solmaz , Harkonen Janne , Haapasalo Harri
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to facilitate consistency of information in building information modelling (BIM) and address the current BIM gaps through the perspectives of the productization concept and product structure (PS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a conceptual research approach in conjunction with a single case study. First, the previous studies on BIM implementation, productization and PS are reviewed. Further, a case study is used to analyse the current state of productization in the construction sector and develop a functional PS for construction.

Findings

A Part-Phase-Elements Matrix is proposed as a construction-specific PS to facilitate consistency in information and to enhance BIM. The proposed matrix provides new avenues to facilitate consistent information exchange through the interconnection between conceptual PS and standard building objects library, and encourage collaborative communication between stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study explores the core of the productization concept and PS as means to facilitate consistency of information and thus address the current gaps in BIM. This as building projects progressively move towards systematic modular and prefabricated construction where the flow of reliable information about product and construction offerings becomes increasingly important.
Comparative study of the perceptions of Mexican and Colombian employees about managerial and leadership behavioural effectiveness
Authors: Ruiz Carlos Enrique , Hamlin Robert , Torres Luis Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative study is to compare the perceptions of employed people in Mexico and Colombia about managerial and leadership behavioural effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple cross-case and cross-nation comparative analysis of findings obtained from the two past emic replication (Mexico and Colombia) studies was conducted.

Findings

The study suggests that people within Mexican and Colombian organizations perceive “managerial and leadership behavioural effectiveness” in very similar ways. The findings support those researchers whose studies indicate that culture may not, as previously thought, play a significant role in the way managers should manage and lead their subordinates.

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge two main limitations related to the sample size and scope of the two compared sets of empirical source data. The number of critical incidents about perceived managerial behavioural effectiveness obtained from the two compared studies was unbalanced (318 from the Mexican study and 267 from the Colombian study). Thus, the authors suggest more indigenous replication managerial behaviour studies be carried out in both Mexico and Colombia with the objective of identifying (if possible) the existence of critical incidents that could lead to different findings. Furthermore, the authors suggest conducting replica studies focused on specific industries rather than a diverse range of organizations to test the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The findings of the comparative study are relevant to those human resource development professionals in international companies with operations in Mexico and/or Colombia when preparing their executives for international assignments in these Latin American countries.

Originality/value

The comparative study attempts to generate new insights and better understanding within the context of “managerial and leadership behavioural effectiveness” research, which the authors hope will make a useful contribution to the existing small body of knowledge regarding similarities and differences in managerial practices across culturally diverse Latin American countries.
SARS CoV-2 seroprevalence and diagnostic accuracy during a COVID-19 outbreak in a major penitentiary complex in Brazil, June to July 2020
Authors: Gouvea-Reis Fernando Augusto , Soares da Silva Danniely Carolinne , Borja Lairton Souza , Dias Patrícia de Oliveira , Percio Jadher , Peterka Cassio , de Oliveira Janaína , Sodré Giselle , Feres Claudia Mendes , Dos Santos Wallace , Souza Fábio , Passarella Teixeira Ana Izabel , Cilião-Alves Daiani Cristina , Romero Gustavo Adolfo Sierra , Ferreira Noronha Elza , Croda Julio , Haddad Rodrigo , Ramalho Walter Massa , de Moraes Camile , Araújo Wildo Navegantes de
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and evaluate the accuracy of an antibody rapid test compared to a reference serological assay during a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison complex housing over 13,000 prisoners in Brasília.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtained a randomized, stratified representative sample of each prison unit and conducted a repeated serosurvey among prisoners between June and July 2020, using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA). Samples were also retested using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) to compare SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and 21-days incidence, as well as to estimate the overall infection fatality rate (IFR) and determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LFIA test.

Findings

This study identified 485 eligible individuals and enrolled 460 participants. Baseline and 21-days follow-up seroprevalence were estimated at 52.0% (95% CI 44.9–59.0) and 56.7% (95% CI 48.2–65.3) with LFIA; and 80.7% (95% CI 74.1–87.3) and 81.1% (95% CI 74.4–87.8) with CLIA, with an overall IFR of 0.02%. There were 78.2% (95% CI 66.7–89.7) symptomatic individuals among the positive cases. Sensitivity and specificity of LFIA were estimated at 43.4% and 83.3% for IgM; 46.5% and 91.5% for IgG; and 59.1% and 77.3% for combined tests.

Originality/value

The authors found high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within the prison complex. The occurrence of asymptomatic infection highlights the importance of periodic mass testing in addition to case-finding of symptomatic individuals; however, the field performance of LFIA tests should be validated. This study recommends that vaccination strategies consider the inclusion of prisoners and prison staff in priority groups.
Customer-centric strategy driving innovativeness and business growth in international markets
Authors: Tuominen Sasu , Reijonen Helen , Nagy Gábor , Buratti Andrea , Laukkanen Tommi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The motivation for this study comes from decision making related to strategic marketing orientations in international markets. The authors examine if customer orientation and customer relationship orientation perform as two distinct constructs in driving firm innovativeness, and how together they support business growth among export firms. This study aims to suggest a customer-centric strategy for export firms that drive innovativeness and growth.

Design/methodology/approach

An international corporation specialized in company information services provided a list of the contact information of Italian companies. The authors sent an email request to respond to an online survey and received 416 effective responses from firms operating in export markets. The authors propose and empirically test a model in which customer orientation, customer relationship orientation and innovativeness predict business growth. This model controls for the effects of firm size, industry and customer type (B2B vs. B2C).

Findings

The study findings suggest that customer orientation and customer relationship orientation are two distinct strategic orientations driving innovativeness. However, they do not directly affect business growth. Instead, they require the innovativeness of an exporter to materialize as business growth.

Practical implications

The results of the study recommend business strategies focusing not only on customer needs and satisfaction but also on retaining current customers and building customer relationships in international markets. Firms can learn from international customers and develop effective customer-centric strategies to spread the acquired information into the internal decision-making as it contributes to firm innovativeness and business growth in international markets.

Originality/value

This study is one of the pioneering studies combining customer orientation and customer relationship orientation, showing their theoretical and empirical divergence. This study is also among the first which tests how the two strategic orientations together with innovativeness promote business growth among export firms. The authors add understanding of the synergistic effects both of using customer information and developing deeper relationships on firm innovativeness and performance among exporters.
Linear and non-linear ARDL estimation of financial innovation and economic growth in Ghana
Authors: Nsor-Ambala Randolph , Amewu Godfred
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the effect of Financial Innovation (FI) on economic growth in Ghana, with a dataset spanning 1960–2019, adopting a broader conceptualization of FI as the ratio of broad money to narrow money.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) time series econometric model to estimate data from the World Bank (1960–2019).

Findings

There is no evidence that FI significantly impacts economic growth. This could be due to the early and strict regulation of the financial technology (FIN-TECH) sector and the general inconclusiveness of the impact of financial development on economic growth.

Practical implications

Policymakers must empirically explore the impact of early and strict regulation on the transformational impact of FI.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to apply a broader conceptualization of FI in estimating the impact of FI on economic growth.
Stakeholder engagement, flexible proactiveness and democratic durability as CSR strategic postures to overcome periods of crisis
Authors: Gromis di Trana Melchior , Fiandrino Simona , Yahiaoui Dorra
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is twofold. First, the research aims to identify Integrated Thinking (IT) stages of development. Second, the research aims to investigate how IT has reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic by accelerating integrated corporate social responsibility (CSR) practises.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a case study on an Italian multi-utility company, Iren Group. The research method uses triangulated data collected from semi-structured interviews and archival materials and it analyses data with a top-down and bottom-up coding procedure. This allows us to inductively develop a model of IT stages of development and CSR strategic postures as response patterns to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The research identifies the developmental paths of IT initiation, IT reactiveness and IT implementation responding to changes and challenges in times of crisis. Furthermore, the research provides stimuli for recovery to overcome periods of crisis through three main CSR strategic postures: stakeholder engagement, flexible proactiveness and democratic durability.

Practical implications

The research suggests that managers can adopt stakeholder engagement, flexible proactiveness and democratic durability as CSR strategic postures in order to integrate CSR practises into the company's DNA and overcome periods of crisis.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies that analyses how IT acts during a crisis in the multi-utility sector. There are three main stages of development, i.e. IT initiation, IT reactiveness and IT implementation, which are characterised by stakeholder engagement, flexible proactiveness and democratic durability.
A trading strategy with dual-beta estimates
Authors: Chong James
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt a trading strategy using upside and downside beta estimates.

Design/methodology/approach

With daily data from April 30, 1997 to April 30, 2021, the author utilizes the dual-beta model when estimating upside and downside betas, in constructing and rebalancing a portfolio from a buy list of Dow Jones Industrial Average component stocks. Benchmarks include the S&P 500 Total Return index, Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) and iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV). The dual-beta portfolio performance is assessed by economic cycles and by the Fama-French five-factor model.

Findings

The dual-beta portfolio outperforms the benchmarks for the whole period under study as well as the majority of sub-periods. It is the only strategy with a statistically positive and economically significant risk-adjusted return.

Originality/value

The author offers a simple stock trading strategy for generating wealth.
The effect of annual reports tone complexity on firms' dividend policy: evidence from the United States
Authors: Satt Harit , Iatridis George
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of annual reports complexity (associated with tone complexity) on dividend policy and value of dividend policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the variable complexity provided by the textual analytics software (Diction 7.0) as the proxy for annual reports' tone complexity. The data covered non-financial American firms from years 2011–2019. The pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and the instrumental variable regression are used to test the study’s arguments.

Findings

The findings suggest that the signaling theory of dividends holds in the United States. Firms with more complex annual reports tend to distribute more dividends, mainly in environment of high information. When information asymmetry is high, managers would use dividends as a tool to mitigate information asymmetry. Furthermore, the findings suggest that dividend policy has a stronger impact on firm value, especially when the tones of annual reports are highly complex. These findings support the previous results, namely, that managers would opt for dividend policy as a signaling tool for its positive impact on firm value. The results are robust to potential endogeneity issues and alternative proxies for both dividend policy and information asymmetry.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate that the dividends' signaling theory holds in the United States, where the findings cannot be generalized to all markets; However, the findings of this research can be of use to potential and current investors, users of annual reports and decision makers as well.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the effect of the tone complexity of annual reports (using 10K text analytics) on the value of dividend policy and dividend policy itself in a developed economy. Understanding this relation will enable stakeholders to forecast future dividends, choose more appropriate valuation methods and hence restore investors' faith.
Tech adoption enables productivity – but it’s more than just an IT issue
Authors: Eichler Felix
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the issue of digital adoption within a business and its impact on employees and to argue that digital adoption is as much a challenge for Human Resources (HR) as it is for Information Technology (IT).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on Felix Eichler’s experience as the co-founder and CTO of Userlane, a business that has helped hundreds of organisations accelerate their digital transformation efforts by improving software adoption amongst employees.

Findings

Technology adoption in a business is as much an HR issue as it is an IT one. This is because is many cases, use of technology is closely linked to productivity and overall employee satisfaction. Businesses can overcome slow adoption by implementing an embedded, inclusive and practical approach to software training.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the often overlooked issue of digital adoption and supports the emerging viewpoint that HR teams need to be more actively involved in supporting technology transformation within a business.
Wsp system oppositely modulates antibacterial activity and biofilm formation via FleQ‐FleN complex in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Nie Hailing , Xiao Yujie , Song Miaomiao , Wu Nianqi , Peng Qi , Duan Wei , Chen Wenli , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: February 2022

Type VI secretion systems (T6SS) are specific antibacterial weapons employed by diverse bacteria to protect themselves from competitors. Pseudomonas putida KT2440 possesses a functional T6SS (K1‐T6SS) and exhibits antibacterial activity towards a broad range of bacteria. Here we found that the Wsp signal transduction system regulated K1‐T6SS expression via synthesizing the second messenger cyclic di‐GMP (c‐di‐GMP), thus mediating antibacterial activity in P. putida. High‐level c‐di‐GMP produced by Wsp system repressed the transcription of K1‐T6SS genes in structural operon and vgrG1 operon. Transcriptional regulator FleQ and ATPase FleN functioned as repressors in the Wsp system‐modulated K1‐T6SS transcription. However, FleQ and FleN functioned as activators in biofilm formation, and Wsp system promoted biofilm formation largely in a FleQ/FleN‐dependent manner. Furthermore, FleQ‐FleN complex bound directly to the promoter of K1‐T6SS structural operon in vitro, and c‐di‐GMP promoted the binding. Besides, P. putida biofilm cells showed higher c‐di‐GMP levels and lower antibacterial activity than planktonic cells. Overall, our findings reveal a mechanism by which Wsp system oppositely modulates antibacterial activity and biofilm formation via FleQ‐FleN, and demonstrate the relationship between plankton/biofilm lifestyles and antibacterial activity in P. putida.
Agricultural value chains: towards a marriage of development economics and industrial organisation?*
Authors: Bellemare Marc F.
Published: February 2022

In the last half‐century, development economics has gone from being a fringe field of economics to being at the very centre of the discipline, and the field’s foremost proponents have been elevated to the highest levels of the discipline. At the same time, development economists have gone from being economists who study situations wherein multiple market failures lead to persistent poverty to being ‘development‐and‐x’ economists, where x is any of agricultural, demographic, environmental, health, labour, economics etc. Yet few economists, if any, would label themselves development‐and‐industrial organisation (IO) economists. In this keynote, I first speculate as to why that is. I then explain how the time is ripe to celebrate the marriage of development and IO, and why the study of agricultural value chains provides the ideal inception point for that marriage to be consummated.
Methods used for extraction of plant volatiles have potential to preserve truffle aroma: A review
Authors: Phong Win Nee , Gibberd Mark R. , Payne Alan D. , Dykes Gary A. , Coorey Ranil
Published: February 2022

Truffles are considered one of the world's most highly prized foods mainly due to their desirable organoleptic properties and rarity. However, truffles are seasonal (harvested mostly in winter from June to August in the Southern Hemisphere and from December to February in the Northern Hemisphere) and extremely perishable. Truffles deteriorate rapidly showing undesirable changes within 10 days from harvest in aroma and visual appearance after harvest. The very short postharvest shelf life (about 7–10 days) limits the potential for export and domestic consumption all year round. Several preservation methods have been studied to prolong their shelf life without the loss of aroma. However, all traditional preservation techniques have their own shortcomings and remain challenging. The extraction of natural truffle aroma volatiles for food applications could be a potential alternative to replace the existing synthetic flavoring used for processed truffle products. Four commonly used extraction methods for recovering volatile compounds from plants, namely, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, Soxhlet extraction, distillation, and cold pressing, are critically analyzed. Up to date, existing research about the extraction of aroma volatiles from truffles is limited in the literature but based on the volatility of the key truffle volatile compounds, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction may offer the best possibility so that a natural truffle‐based product that can be used in food applications throughout the year can be made available.
Should open repair be the choice in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm instead of endovascular aortic repair—Experience in a tertiary referral vascular centre
Authors: Lee Kin‐yan , Li Charis Cho‐ying , Cheng Mina
Published: February 2022

Aim

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) is one of the most difficult surgical emergencies with poor outcomes. Aortic occlusion balloon (AOB) can reduce intraoperative mortality and a protocol was made to ensure smooth logistics, which we regard as Protocol II. We herein review the clinical outcomes between endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and open repair of RAAA.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 113 patients with RAAA in 10 years. We measured the primary outcome between two cohorts, EVAR and open repair. Furthermore, we looked into the mortality based on subgroup analysis according to treatment modality and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital physiological classification.

Results

The overall mortality in Protocol II was significantly lower than that in Protocol I. In the open repair group, the 30‐day mortality was lower in Protocol II, especially in Classes IIb, IIC and III. Protocol II also demonstrated better perioperative outcomes. There was lower 30‐day mortality in EVAR than that in open repair in Protocol I but there was no difference between open repair and EVAR in Protocol II.

Conclusion

Protocol‐driven management with AOB involving a multidisciplinary team approach can improve survival and perioperative outcomes in RAAA. In those cases with unfavourable anatomy, open repair should be performed. For those class IIA RAAAs, the method of repair should depend on the anatomy, and whether to use AOB should be an individualised decision. In cases of class IIB RAAAs, routine use of AOB can improve survival. For classes IIC and III, we would offer open repair with mandatory use of AOB employing a damage control approach.
Sisters of the Earth: The Landscapes, Radical Identities and Performances of Female Reformers in 1819
Authors: Kitchener Caitlin
Published: February 2022

Female reformers were radical activists during 1819. They attempted to forge a ‘feminine’ radicalism through connecting their politics to their domesticity and families. They organised meetings, processed to mass platform protests, crafted liberty caps and wrote letters. Commentators and observers satirised and insulted their efforts through print and press, producing a reading which considered the women to be unfeminine. This conflict between insiders and outsiders creates a ‘female masculinity’ and fragmented identities. Using an historical archaeology framework, this paper analyses the contested identities female reformers performed within radical landscapes and spaces.
Profils d’un lectorat: Enquête sur les signatures d’énigmes du Mercure de France (1724‐1778)
Authors: Léchot Timothée
Published: February 2022

Little is known about the distribution of ancien régime French periodicals and there are few sources on readers’ geographical origins and social positions. Most studies rely on subscriber lists, but subscription is not the only possible mode of acquisition. With a periodical such as Mercure de France (1724‐1778), however, another approach can be used to determine the identity of the public: much of the editorial content is provided by the readers. This article investigates the authors of the enigmas in verse published every month that together constitute a homogeneous corpus of texts. A new reader figure emerges next to the subscriber: that of the reader‐contributor who supplies the periodical with poems. With a more diversified social profile than the subscriber, this reader is often a provincial man who performs a judicial, administrative, ecclesiastical, or military function, and sometimes a woman, a student, a merchant, an artist, or even a prisoner.1
Fishing for DNA? Designing baits for population genetics in target enrichment experiments: Guidelines, considerations and the new tool supeRbaits
Authors: Jiménez‐Mena Belén , Flávio Hugo , Henriques Romina , Manuzzi Alice , Ramos Miguel , Meldrup Dorte , Edson Janette , Pálsson Snæbjörn , Ásta Ólafsdóttir Guðbjörg , Ovenden Jennifer R. , Nielsen Einar Eg
Published: February 2022

Targeted sequencing is an increasingly popular next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approach for studying populations that involves focusing sequencing efforts on specific parts of the genome of a species of interest. Methodologies and tools for designing targeted baits are scarce but in high demand. Here, we present specific guidelines and considerations for designing capture sequencing experiments for population genetics for both neutral genomic regions and regions subject to selection. We describe the bait design process for three diverse fish species: Atlantic salmon, Atlantic cod and tiger shark, which was carried out in our research group, and provide an evaluation of the performance of our approach across both historical and modern samples. The workflow used for designing these three bait sets has been implemented in the R‐package supeRbaits, which encompasses our considerations and guidelines for bait design for the benefit of researchers and practitioners. The supeRbaits R‐package is user‐friendly and versatile. It is written in C++ and implemented in R. supeRbaits and its manual are available from Github: https://github.com/BelenJM/supeRbaits
Upregulation of ADAMDEC1 correlates with tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Zhu Weiliang , Shi Lin , Gong Yuxin , Zhuo Lin , Wang Siyun , Chen Shaobing , Zhang Bei , Ke Bin
Published: February 2022

Background

ADAM‐like decysin‐1 (ADAMDEC1) has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including cancers. However, its biological role in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the biological functions and potential mechanism of ADAMDEC1 in NSCLC.

Methods

We verified ADAMDEC1 as a DEG by a comprehensive strategy of TCGA and GEO datasets miming and computational biology. Relative levels of ADAMDEC1 in NSCLC tissues and the adjacent peritumoral tissues were identified by qRT‐PCR, WB and IHC staining. The biological function of ADAMDEC1 was determined by CCK8, EdU, colony formation assay, apoptosis, wound healing migration and transwell invasion assays. Then, an in vivo tumor formation assay was conducted to explore the effects of ADAMDEC1 on tumor growth.

Results

The mRNA and protein expression levels of ADAMDEC1 were upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. ADAMDEC1 expression was associated with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival of patients with NSCLC. Knockdown of ADAMDEC1 could decrease proliferation and colony forming ability of NSCLC cells, and promoted cell apoptosis, whereas ADAMDEC11 overexpression has opposite effects in NSCLC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we identified ADAMDEC1 accelerates NSCLC progression via activation of the PI3K/ AKT pathway.

Conclusion

We verified that ADAMDEC1 promotes the progression of NSCLC via the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings showed the potential of ADAMDEC1 to be used for therapeutic approaches in NSCLC.
Something fishy in seafood trade? The relation between tariff and non‐tariff barriers
Authors: Baylis Kathy , Nogueira Lia , Fan Linlin , Pace Kathryn
Published: February 2022

As importing countries honor trade agreements to lower tariff rates, traditional tariff barriers may be replaced with non‐tariff barriers. Previous literature has found that the implementation of food safety standards, specifically the use of import notifications and rejections, has acted as a significant barrier to trade in both the EU and the US. This article estimates the relation between a change in tariff rates and the use of non‐tariff barriers, measured by a count of EU seafood import notifications. We find that when trade agreements generate a decrease in tariffs, we observe an increase in the number of import notifications, holding trade volume constant. This effect is strongest for those products that are rejected at the border for less threatening health reasons. Although we see clear evidence that non‐tariff barriers are responding to health risks, they also appear to be correlated with demand for protection.
Microsurgical anastomosis using anterior versus posterior tibial artery in lower limb free tissue transfer
Authors: Theile Harrison , Wiper Jonathan , Noblet Timothy , Watson Luke , Wagels Michael
Published: February 2022

Background

Soft tissue lower limb reconstruction often requires free tissue transfer. We investigated whether the target vessels used for micro‐vascular anastomosis in the lower limb influences microsurgical outcomes.

Methods

Data from Plastic Surgery Departments of a major tertiary hospital in the United Kingdom (Leeds General Infirmary, LGI) and Australia (Princess Alexandra Hospital, PAH) were retrospectively analysed. Patients who underwent lower limb free flap reconstruction using the posterior (PTA) or anterior tibial artery (ATA) were included. Patient demographics, free flap and microvascular anastomosis details were analysed. Primary outcome was flap failure. Secondary outcome was return to theatre.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐four free flaps were included (PAH 115; LGI 119). 60% were muscle flaps. Eighty‐one percent of patients were male, with trauma the cause in 82%. PTA was used for microsurgical anastomosis in 70% of cases. Venae comitantes were preferred (96%) for venous anastomosis. PTA group showed a higher proportion of patients with trauma as the mechanism of injury. ATA group was more likely to have an end‐to‐end arterial anastomosis configuration. Total flap loss was 3.8%. There was no clinically significant difference in flap failure or return to theatre using ATA versus PTA.

Conclusions

Incidence of lower limb free flap failure is low (<5%) and not influenced by use of ATA versus PTA for microsurgical anastomosis. The choice of target vessels for microsurgical reconstruction of the lower limb should be predicated upon factors other than aversion to one or another vessel. If all other microsurgical considerations are equal, the surgeon can exercise personal preference.
Living with flux in the Philippines: Negotiating collective well‐being and disaster recovery
Authors: Gibson Katherine , Hill Ann
Published: February 2022

Anthropogenic climate change poses huge challenges to humanity. The frequency and magnitude of extreme weather is increasing. As more attention turns to disaster preparedness and recovery, it is worth recognising that many communities have a long history of living with the flux of planetary dynamism. They are experienced in negotiating collective well‐being with one another and with the earth. Other communities have less experience and know‐how and have had to adopt more experimental approaches. In this paper we draw on planetary social thought and critical disaster studies to re‐think disaster recovery. We present stories of communities in the Philippines differently negotiating collective well‐being in the face of climate uncertainty.
Optimizing transfusion therapy for survivors of Haemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome: Defining the targets for haemoglobin‐H fraction and “functional” haemoglobin level
Authors: Amid Ali , Barrowman Nick , Odame Isaac , Kirby‐Allen Melanie
Published: February 2022

Owing to the unique pathophysiology of anaemia in haemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis (HBHF), a transfusion strategy based on beta‐thalassemia guidelines is suboptimal for chronically transfused HBHF patients. A more aggressive transfusion aimed at reducing the proportion of non‐functional HbH and improving the “functional” haemoglobin (f‐Hb) can lead to reduced haemolysis and improved tissue oxygenation. However, the optimal transfusion targets for these parameters are not yet defined. In this retrospective, longitudinal study on four chronically transfused patients with HBHF, we used receiver operating characteristic curves to find a pre‐transfusion f‐Hb of 106 g/l and a HbH of 16.1% to be the optimal thresholds to achieve a normal soluble transferrin receptor and lactate dehydrogenase, respectively.
Adults with immune thrombocytopenia who switched to avatrombopag following prior treatment with eltrombopag or romiplostim: A multicentre US study
Authors: Al‐Samkari Hanny , Jiang Debbie , Gernsheimer Terry , Liebman Howard , Lee Susie , Wojdyla Matthew , Vredenburg Michael , Cuker Adam
Published: February 2022

Patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may respond to one thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO‐RA) but not another. Limited data are available describing outcomes in patients who switched from romiplostim or eltrombopag to avatrombopag, a newer oral TPO‐RA. We performed a retrospective observational study of adults with ITP who switched from eltrombopag or romiplostim to avatrombopag at four US tertiary ITP referral centres. Forty‐four patients were included, with a mean ITP duration of 8.3 years and a median (range) of four prior ITP treatments. On avatrombopag, 41/44 patients (93%) achieved a platelet response (≥50 × 109/l) and 38/44 patients (86%) achieved a complete response (≥100 × 109/l). In all patients, the median platelet count on eltrombopag or romiplostim was 45 × 109/l vs 114 × 109/l on avatrombopag (p < 0.0001); in patients switched for ineffectiveness of romiplostim/eltrombopag, it was 28 × 109/l on romiplostim/eltrombopag vs 88 × 109/l on avatrombopag (p = 0.025). Fifty‐seven percent of patients receiving concomitant ITP medications before switching discontinued them after switching, including 63% of patients receiving chronic corticosteroids. In a heavily pretreated chronic ITP population, avatrombopag was effective following therapy with romiplostim or eltrombopag, with high response rates even in patients with inadequate response to a prior TPO‐RA.
Authority, conformity and obedience: Applying Friedrich’s theory of authority to the classics
Authors: Spillane Robert , Joullié Jean‐Etienne
Published: February 2022

In the conformity and obedience studies of Asch and Milgram, legitimate authority is defined as a form of power to which subjects submit irrationally. This view assumes a causative process which the subjects’ behaviour is said to manifest. Furthermore, this view assumes that there is illegitimate (or malevolent) authority. Carl J. Friedrich's theory of authority as reasoned elaboration offers an alternative perspective, which reveals conceptual differences between authority and such related constructs as power and legitimacy. When these concepts are properly distinguished, a re‐interpretation of the classical studies of conformity and obedience is called forth. Such an exercise produces insights into some of the discipline's most controversial, if not disturbing, results. Specifically, it leads to an understanding of laboratory conformity and obedience in rational terms.
DCAF13 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation by ubiquitin inhibiting PERP expression
Authors: Shan Bao‐Qian , Wang Xiao‐Min , Zheng Li , Han Yao , Gao Jie , Lv Meng‐Dan , Zhang Yi , Liu Yi‐Xuan , Zhang Han , Chen Hao‐Sa , Ao Lei , Zhang Yin‐Li , Lu Xiang , Wu Zhong‐Jie , Xu Ying , Che Xuan , Heger Michal , Cheng Shu‐Qun , Pan Wei‐Wei , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2022

Evolutionarily conserved DDB1‐and CUL4‐associated factor 13 (DCAF13) is a recently discovered substrate receptor for the cullin RING‐finger ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates cell cycle progression. DCAF13 is overexpressed in many cancers, although its role in breast cancer is currently elusive. In this study we demonstrate that DCAF13 is overexpressed in human breast cancer and that its overexpression closely correlates with poor prognosis, suggesting that DCAF13 may serve as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. We knocked down DCAF13 in breast cancer cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 and found that DCAF13 deletion markedly reduced breast cancer cell proliferation, clone formation, and migration both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, DCAF13 deletion promoted breast cancer cell apoptosis and senescence, and induced cell cycle arrest in the G1/S phase. Genome‐wide RNAseq analysis and western blotting revealed that loss of DCAF13 resulted in both mRNA and protein accumulation of p53 apoptosis effector related to PMP22 (PERP). Knockdown of PERP partially reversed the hampered cell proliferation induced by DCAF13 knockdown. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays revealed that DCAF13 and DNA damage‐binding protein 1 (DDB1) directly interact with PERP. Overexpression of DDB1 significantly increased PERP polyubiquitination, suggesting that CRL4DCAF13 E3 ligase targets PERP for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. In conclusion, DCAF13 and the downstream effector PERP occupy key roles in breast cancer proliferation and potentially serve as prognostics and therapeutic targets.