bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase precession in the human hippocampus and entorhinal cortex
Authors: Qasim Salman E. , Fried Itzhak , Jacobs Joshua
Published: September 2020

Knowing where we are, where we have been, and where we are going is critical to many behaviors, including navigation and memory. One potential neuronal mechanism underlying this ability is phase precession, in which spatially tuned neurons represent sequences of positions by activating at progressively earlier phases of local network theta (~5–10 Hz) oscillations. Phase precession may be a general neural pattern for representing sequential events for learning and memory. However, phase precession has never been observed in humans. By recording human single-neuron activity during spatial navigation, we show that spatially tuned neurons in the human hippocampus and entorhinal cortex exhibit phase precession. Furthermore, beyond the neural representation of locations, we show evidence for phase precession related to specific goal-states. Our findings thus extend theta phase precession to humans and suggest that this phenomenon has a broad functional role for the neural representation of both spatial and non-spatial information.
Comparative study of knowledge and use of Bloom's digital taxonomy by teachers and students in virtual and conventional universities
Authors: Amin Hina , Mirza Munawar Sultana
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper intended to explore the knowledge and use of the digital verbs and tools by the students and teachers for conceptual understanding in the virtual and conventional learning environment. The study also explored the use of such digital tools for lower- and higher-order thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research method was used for the study. All the students and teachers of the faculty of education from one virtual and one conventional university were the population of this study. Teachers were selected through census sampling. Student enrollment in the faculty of education of the virtual university during Spring 2019 was 1,139 while the conventional university had 1,809 students. In total, 20% of the students from each of the two universities were sampled by using a convenient proportionate sampling technique. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers and validated by three experts before administration. The reliability of the instrument wasa = 0.934. Mean, SD, parametric and nonparametric statistics were applied for data analysis.

Findings

The study reveals that the students of ODL are far better in using digital tools and activities that is, googling, collaborating and Skyping. They are good at understanding and application levels and are involved in higher-order thinking tasks, that is, publishing and podcasting as well. Unlike the students, the teachers of the virtual university are using digital tools of lower-order thinking. The authors infer that the students and teachers of the online universities are using these tools regularly because of the demands of the ODL environment. These findings suggest further research to explore the factors that hinder the use of higher-order thinking skills by the teachers in the online environment.

Originality/value

The study suggests the adoption of Bloom's digital taxonomy in teaching–learning processes, that is, curriculum, instructions and assessment for the millennials. The findings may motivate the online and conventional higher education institutions to adopt digital pedagogy for instructional purposes as the students of the digital age are already extensively involved with digital tools.
The construction of Singapore's mainstream Chinese media on OBOR: based on a discourse analysis of Zaobao
Authors: Li Xiangyi , Wen Zhiting
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Since One Belt One Road (OBOR) was proposed, Singaporean sides have reacted differently. Based on the case of Zaobao, the authors develop the theoretical frame including international relations, agenda setting and media framing, analyzing the construction of textual materials on OBOR and its influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this sense, this paper attempts to use Zaobao's texts on OBOR from 2015 to 2017 as textual materials, by using the discourse analysis method and combining the theories of international relations, agenda setting and media framing, to explore the following two relevant questions: How does the mainstream Chinese media of Singapore construct OBOR issue? What factors influence this kind of construction?

Findings

The study finds that agendas setting on OBOR are diversified in the purpose of supporting official position and meeting audiences' expectations, which are constrained by the factors such as international situations, regional strategies, national interests and domestic politics. The authors learn more details about hidden and vague thoughts on OBOR from all sides in Singapore through this discourse analysis.

Originality/value

In summary, the academic community has a certain foundation for the study of the cognition of the “Belt and Road” initiative. However, compared with the other countries' research on the Belt and Road cognition, the research on Singapore is insufficient. Singapore is an important hub for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. At the same time, as a leader of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it has a strong appeal and influence in other ASEAN countries. It has also played a pivotal role in building the “Belt and Road”. However, the “Belt and Road” initiative has been proposed and implemented for five years. The research on Singapore's cognition and reaction of the “Belt and Road” initiative is still insufficient. Therefore, an in-depth study of Singapore's cognition of the ‘Belt and Road” initiative has significant academic and applied value. This paper attempts to explore the construction of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative by Singapore's official media to make up for the shortcomings of existing research.
Accounting conservatism and uncertainty in business environments; using financial data of listed companies in the Tehran stock exchange
Authors: Hejranijamil Marziyeh , Hejranijamil Afsane , Shekarkhah Javad
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Applying conservatism to the preparation of financial statements has been considered not only as a natural mechanism to protect the interests of the stockholders but also as a practical way to assist managers to deal with uncertainty in business environments. This study aimed to determine if increasing uncertainty can lead to raising the level of conservatism used in preparing financial statements. The result of the study could provide a better understanding of the factors that influence the level of applying conservative methods in accounting and financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The model introduced by Basu (1997) was used to measure accounting conservatism. Business strategy and alertness were considered as two proxies for classifying companies according to their level of uncertainty. By adding each proxy of uncertainty to the model and using the financial data of 183 companies for five years (from 2013 to 2018), the multiple regression models were estimated through EViews. It was assumed that inert companies and those with prospector strategy face a higher level of uncertainty. Consequently, they were expected to report their financial status conservatively.

Findings

Findings revealed that companies, which adopted a prospector strategy, applied more conservative methods in their financial reports. This indicated that facing wider uncertainty results in reporting more conservatively, which could not be said about inert companies.

Originality/value

The current research is the first research undertaken in a developing country such as Iran, and the study's results may benefit other developing countries.
Inflation Indexed Bonds
Authors: Sinha Sidharth
Published: September 2020

In 2013–14, the Indian government issued Inflation Indexed Bonds for institutional investors and Inflation Indexed National Savings Securities for retail investors. The immediate trigger for the issue of inflation indexed securities was the coincidence of an increase in trade deficit, an increase in gold imports and a period of high inflation, leading policy makers to conclude that households were increasing their gold holdings as a hedge against inflation. It was expected that investors would use the Inflation Indexed Bonds to hedge against inflation and reduce their demand for gold. However, response to the inflation indexed securities was poor and the issue was not considered a success. The government must now decide whether this was a case of wrong policy or wrong execution.
Swiss Roll (A)
Authors: Varma Jayanth R.
Published: September 2020

In September, 2011, to prevent its currency from appreciating after the Global Financial Crisis, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) decided to peg its currency to EUR and announced that it would not let CHF go beyond 1/1.20 EUR. Maintaining the peg required the SNB to purchase foreign currency assets virtually endlessly in response to the worsening Eurozone crisis. By end of 2014, its foreign currency exchange reserves amounted to almost 80% of its GDP. In an attempt to deter capital flows and reduce its balance sheet size, in December, 2014, the SNB first bought the interest rate on commercial bank deposits to negative levels and then, facing impending quantitative easing by the European Central Bank, announced the removal of the peg on January 15, 2015. The case describes the backdrop and the circumstances leading up to removal of the peg.
WhatsApp groups: channel for sharing information among LIS professionals in Nigeria
Authors: Udem Obiora Kingsley , Aghoghovwia Doris U. , Baro Ebikabowei Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the type of information Library and Information Science professionals share in the WhatsApp groups in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative content analysis research design. With a total of 739 participants, 1,385 posts of six different WhatsApp groups of Library and Information Science professionals for three months were analyzed.

Findings

The study found that the most shared information among the Library and Information Science professionals in Nigeria is post on professional information. This demonstrates that librarians are determined to share professional information among them to promote the profession. This was followed by political information basically on the Nigerian Library Association national executives’ election, and job advertisements related to the library. Although a few members violate the rules by posting the kind of information not required in the WhatsApp group, the erring members are quickly called to order and warned by the WhatsApp group administrator.

Social implications

Professional ties can grow among information specialists and library practitioners through participation in virtual communities such as WhatsApp group. The implication of this work is in showing that social media especially WhatsApp groups can be used as a knowledge sharing mechanism to share timely, current and relevant information among professionals in different occupations.

Originality/value

Findings on the use of WhatsApp group in sharing professional information will inform several other Library and Information Science professionals in other countries of the need to adopt this channel to disseminate timely information related to up-coming conferences, training opportunities, workshops, call for papers and so on among the professionals. The results of this paper are valuable for anyone interested in an avenue to share or receive much quicker and pertinent information that saves the time of professionals in any occupation.
Impact of supplier innovativeness, top management support and strategic sourcing on supply chain resilience
Authors: Mandal Santanu
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the importance of supplier innovativeness (SI), top management support (TMS) and strategic sourcing (SS) in the development of supply chain (SC) resilience. The study also argues that organization culture (OC) strongly influences SI, TMS and SS in their importance in generating SC resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional approach for collecting online-survey-based responses for evaluating the validity of the proposed associations. Respondents were chosen ensuring that they have sufficient exposure in SC operations in their respective designations. With two reminders, around 212 completed responses were received and analyzed using partial least squares in SmartPLS 2.0.M3.

Findings

Findings suggested TMS as a positive enabler of SC resilience. However, although SI and SS had positive influences, they were not significant. The study argues that this may be attributed to the presence of OC as a strong precursor for SI, TMS and SS. The findings showed that OC is indeed a strong predictor of SI, TMS and SS.

Originality/value

The study has undersigned empirically the influence of OC in the development of SI, TMS and SS. The study is the foremost to acknowledge the influence of SI, TMS and SS on SC resilience.
Defining the relationship between consumers and retailers through user-generated content: insights from the research literature
Authors: Singh Harmanjit , Chakrabarti Somnath
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose ofthis study is to synthesise the findings of existing research on brand-related user-generated content (UGC) in the context of fashion retail and to come up with future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 33 research papers, selected using well-defined criteria, was done. Further, the thematic analysis identified underlying themes and their inter-linkages.

Findings

The inter-linkages of 12 emergent themes were showcased in the form of a causal-chain conceptual framework, highlighting antecedents, mediators, moderators and consequences.

Research limitations/implications

Future research involves six directions, and researchers should empirically test out the proposed conceptual framework and take the given research directions forward.

Practical implications

Retailers should understand UGC motivators to launch targeted campaigns to amplify UGC with firm-generated content and increase overall engagement and sales of a brand.

Originality/value

First, this study fills the gap of missing synthesis of existing studies on UGC about fashion retail by analysing the publication distribution, paper types, data collection tools and techniques and data analysis methods. Second, the authors have proposed a causal-chain conceptual framework based upon thematic analysis of the research literature. The emergent themes touch upon three crucial aspects of marketing on enabling technology, consumer behaviour and marketing tactics. Finally, the academic contribution of this study lies in coming up with six vital research agenda for future research.
Readability of sustainability reports: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Adhariani Desi , du Toit Elda
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aimed at investigating the readability of sustainability reports in Indonesia. The Indonesian government, through the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan [OJK]), has issued regulation POJK 51/2017 concerning the implementation of sustainable finance, which requires public companies to prepare sustainability reports—either stand-alone reports or parts of annual reports. Until 2017, only 30% of the top public companies in terms of market capitalisation issued the required report. Companies' decisions to provide the report stem from the greater visibility and access to resources that flow from additional narratives. However, the usefulness of such a report can be questioned.

Design/methodology/approach

We used several linguistic techniques (Flesch Reading Ease [FRE], Flesch–Kincaid, and Gunning Fog measures) to evaluate the readability of sustainability reports. The analysis was performed using a software application called “Readability Studio 2015.”

Findings

We found the reports to have a low level of readability. This means that the information provided in the disclosures are very difficult to decipher and understand by the targeted users. Considering the similar levels of report readability in companies across industries, we observe a pattern of isomorphism in the way companies have implemented the same format and language construct in disclosing their sustainability information. They might apply the myth that complex language attracts investors or impresses others.

Research limitations/implications

The techniques to measure readability that we use might not capture the whole dimensions of readability and understandability, especially in the non-English language.

Practical implications

The results from this study can be used as evaluation tools for companies and regulators in preparing more intelligible and readable sustainability reports, as mandated by POJK 51/2017.

Social implications

Sustainability reports act as a medium of accountability for a company's sustainable production and operations. Their usefulness for investors and other users often depends on the readability of the information.

Originality/value

The readability of sustainability reports in the context of Indonesia as an emerging market has not been comprehensively investigated in previous research. This study is among the first of its kind to support the quality enhancement of the reports.
Exploring adjustment mechanisms of adolescent expat kids from South Asia against sociopolitical stigma
Authors: Banerjee Pratyush , Gupta Ritu , Shaheen Musarrat , David Rajasekhar , Chenji Kalaa , Priyadarshini Chetna
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In recent times, several instances of anti-immigration-related hate crimes and religious bullying have been reported where South Asian expatriates have been victimized. The accompanying children of such expatriates may find such hostile perceptions very difficult to deal with due to their tender age and sensitive ego, which may also lead to the premature return of the expatriate. In this study, a qualitative investigation is conducted to understand the specific problems faced by South Asian expat kids with respect to religious stigma and anti-immigration sentiments.

Design/methodology/approach

A latent thematic analysis was adopted as the research method in this study. Responses were obtained from 27 South Asian adolescent expat kids through audiovisual interviews.

Findings

A total of three central themes were identified from the analysis: (1) coping against social stigma, (2) dealing with social isolation and (3) assimilating with host culture. The findings indicated that the expat kids from South Asia were mentally well prepared to cope with bullying related to the religious or political sentiment using several self-reflective orientations and through optimal use of technical resources.

Research limitations/implications

This study applies a qualitative exploratory design. Hence, a follow-up study backed by quantifiable data is needed to enhance generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Corporate practitioners may develop dedicated social media page for expat kids or an online community of such individuals as a support system.

Originality/value

The paper applies a critical lens on some deep-rooted sociopolitical issues which have not been addressed in extant literature on expat adjustment.
Marketing investment and pharmaceutical product diffusion
Authors: Qian Xiaoyan , Yin Hao , Li Xiaotong
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of marketing investment on drug diffusion processes, to analyze the heterogeneity of the diffusion characteristics and to understand the drug diffusion patterns in the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study introduces marketing investment into the Bass model. The authors use the Generalized Bass Model (GBM) to examine the influence of marketing efforts on drug diffusion in Chinese prescription and OTC markets.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that the imitation effect in the prescription drug market is greater than that in the OTC drug market; drug diffusion in the OTC market reaches saturation earlier in the diffusion process. Before reaching the critical state, the effect of marketing investment on drug diffusion in the OTC market is greater than that in the prescription market, and after the critical state, drug diffusion in the prescription market is more sensitive to marketing investment.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates the value of the GBM in empirical analyses of drug diffusion across two distinct markets, and the marketing regulation policies governments adopt have a powerful impact on the speed at which drugs become available in different markets. It enriches the extant product diffusion literature by highlighting the different diffusion patterns of the two segments of pharmaceutical market.
The influence of neoliberalism on graduate student teaching preparation: a structural, interactionist study
Authors: Robinson Kirk S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study initially was to explore how graduate teaching assistants’ (GTAs) peer-to-peer interactions in a teaching development seminar (TEAC 530, offered at Midwestern State University) shaped their experiences in the seminar. However, as this study unfolded, the author learned that the neoliberal social structure enveloping TEAC 530 informed how GTAs interacted with their peers. It became necessary to interrogate how the seminar, against a neoliberal backdrop, shaped GTAs’ interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an ethnographic methodological approach, this inquiry drew from fieldnotes from 21 different TEAC 530 sessions, with collection occurring over the course of 15 months. This project also drew upon 18 semi-structured interviews and analysis of relevant documents.

Findings

Neoliberalism’s influence on TEAC 530’s structure and learning goals created conditions that did not forge strong GTA peer connections; the extent to which GTAs got to know each other and build relationships was questionable. Fruitful working peer relationships were inconsistent, making it challenging for GTAs to learn and contrast their experiences and understandings about teaching with peers.

Originality/value

Neoliberalism’s influence on TEAC 530 undermined the seminar’s community of practice design, limiting the scope and depth of GTAs’ peer interactions, which in turn limited the facilitation of GTAs’ teaching preparation.
Robust Nonlinear Control of Mode-Coupling-Based Vibrations by Using High-Gain Observer and Sliding-Mode Controller
Authors: Nechak Lyes
Published: September 2020

This paper is dedicated to the robust nonlinear control of friction-induced vibrations (FIV), more particularly those generated according to the mode-coupling mechanism. A nonlinear scheme which consists of a sliding-mode controller implemented by using a high-gain state observer is proposed. The main objective is to suppress or mitigate the generated vibrations by taking into account of the nonlinearities and uncertainties inherent to friction systems. Hence, this study proposes the analysis of the closed-loop performances of the high-gain observer-based sliding-mode controller when used for the active control of vibrations issued from the mode-coupling mechanism. Based on numerical simulations, the proposed controller has shown suitable performances distinguished from an effective suppress of the generated vibrations. Otherwise, it is shown that the gain of the used nonlinear state observer must be tuned in order to ensure a suitable compromise between the robustness level of the performances with respect to parameter uncertainty and the robustness level with respect to the measurement noise.
Experimental Study on Flow-Induced Full-Field Vibration of a Flexible Splitter Plate Behind a Cylinder Using Stereo-Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Xie Ruili , Yu Liping , Zhu Weidong , Pan Bing
Published: September 2020

The flow-induced vibration of a flexible splitter plate behind a circular cylinder is investigated experimentally in this study. Unlike previous studies that mainly devoted to flow dynamics, the full-field three-dimensional (3D) dynamic deformation of a splitter plate behind a cylinder in the wind tunnel is measured with an easy-to-implement, compact but practical single-camera high-speed (SCHS) stereo-digital image correlation (DIC) system. The system parameters of the wind tunnel, the configuration of the SCHS-DIC system, and the measurement principles are introduced first. Then, the effectiveness, accuracy, and stability of the SCHS stereo-DIC system are verified by the deformation measurements of the high-stiffness fixed cylinder. Finally, the full-field dynamic 3D deformation measurements of different splitter plates are carried out under different wind speeds. Results of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) splitter plate show that the out-of-plane deformation is much larger than in-plane deformation. The maximum deformation occurs at the tip region of the plate, the position of which can move non-periodically along the free-end edge. The full-field deformation of the plate presents the characteristics of complex vortex distribution with high and low fluctuations, and exhibits an asymmetric and non-periodic oscillation in the out-of-plane direction. The comparison results reveal how the wind load and material type of the plate affect the oscillation characteristics.
Rapid Detection of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in Clinical and Environmental Isolates by Use of a Lab-on-a-Chip Diagnostic System
Authors: Yu Ling-Shan , Rodriguez-Manzano Jesus , Moser Nicolas , Moniri Ahmad , Malpartida-Cardenas Kenny , Miscourides Nicholas , Sewell Thomas , Kochina Tatiana , Brackin Amelie , Rhodes Johanna , Holmes Alison H. , Fisher Matthew C. , Georgiou Pantelis
Published: September 2020

Aspergillus fumigatus
has widely evolved resistance to the most commonly used class of antifungal chemicals, the azoles. Current methods for identifying azole resistance are time-consuming and depend on specialized laboratories. There is an urgent need for rapid detection of these emerging pathogens at point-of-care to provide the appropriate treatment in the clinic and to improve management of environmental reservoirs to mitigate the spread of antifungal resistance. Our study demonstrates the rapid and portable detection of the two most relevant genetic markers linked to azole resistance, the mutations TR34 and TR46, found in the promoter region of the gene encoding the azole target
cyp
51A.
Telomere and ATM Dynamics in CD4 T-Cell Depletion in Active and Virus-Suppressed HIV Infections
Authors: Khanal Sushant , Tang Qiyuan , Cao Dechao , Zhao Juan , Nguyen Lam Nhat , Oyedeji Oluwayomi Samson , Dang Xindi , Nguyen Lam Ngoc Thao , Schank Madison , Thakuri Bal Krishna Chand , Ogbu Chinyere , Morrison Zheng D. , Wu Xiao Y. , Zhang Zheng , He Qing , El Gazzar Mohamed , Li Zhengke , Ning Shunbin , Wang Ling , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q.
Published: September 2020

The hallmark of HIV infection is a gradual depletion of CD4 T cells, with a progressive decline of host immunity. How CD4 T cells are depleted in individuals with active and virus-suppressed HIV infection remains unclear. In this study, we employed a cellular model of HIV infection to characterize the mechanisms underlying CD4 T-cell destruction by analyzing the chromosome end (telomere) DNA damage response (DDR) and cellular apoptosis in a T-cell line (highly permissive SupT1 cells), as well as in primary CD4 T cells with active or drug-suppressed HIV infection. We demonstrated that HIV-induced telomeric DDR plays a critical role in inducing telomere loss, premature cell aging, and CD4 T-cell apoptosis or depletion via dysregulation of the PI3K/ATM pathways. This study sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of telomeric DDR and its role in CD4 T-cell homeostasis during HIV infection.
The Structure of the Cysteine-Rich Domain of Plasmodium falciparum P113 Identifies the Location of the RH5 Binding Site
Authors: Campeotto Ivan , Galaway Francis , Mehmood Shahid , Barfod Lea K. , Quinkert Doris , Kotraiah Vinayaka , Phares Timothy W. , Wright Katherine E. , Snijders Ambrosius P. , Draper Simon J. , Higgins Matthew K. , Wright Gavin J.
Published: September 2020

Malaria is a deadly infectious disease primarily caused by the parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
. It remains a major global health problem, and there is no highly effective vaccine. A parasite protein called RH5 is centrally involved in the invasion of host red blood cells, making it—and the other parasite proteins it interacts with—promising vaccine targets. We recently identified a protein called P113 that binds RH5, suggesting that it anchors RH5 to the parasite surface. In this paper, we use structural biology to locate and characterize the RH5 binding region on P113. These findings will be important to guide the development of new antimalarial vaccines to ultimately prevent this disease, which affects some of the poorest people on the planet.
Staphylococcus aureus ATP Synthase Promotes Biofilm Persistence by Influencing Innate Immunity
Authors: Bosch Megan E. , Bertrand Blake P. , Heim Cortney E. , Alqarzaee Abdulelah A. , Chaudhari Sujata S. , Aldrich Amy L. , Fey Paul D. , Thomas Vinai C. , Kielian Tammy
Published: September 2020

Medical device-associated biofilm infections are a therapeutic challenge based on their antibiotic tolerance and ability to evade immune-mediated clearance. The virulence determinants responsible for bacterial biofilm to induce a maladaptive immune response remain largely unknown. This study identified a critical role for
S. aureus
ATP synthase in influencing the host immune response to biofilm infection. An
S. aureus
ATP synthase alpha subunit mutant (Δ
atpA
) elicited heightened proinflammatory cytokine production by leukocytes
in vitro
and
in vivo
, which coincided with improved biofilm clearance in a mouse model of prosthetic joint infection. The ability of
S. aureus
Δ
atpA
to augment host proinflammatory responses was cell lysis-dependent, as inhibition of bacterial lysis by polyanethole sodium sulfanate or a Δ
atpA
Δ
atl
biofilm did not elicit heightened cytokine production. These studies reveal a critical role for AtpA in shaping the host immune response to
S. aureus
biofilm.
Repetitive Elements Contribute to the Diversity and Evolution of Centromeres in the Fungal Genus
Verticillium
Authors: Seidl Michael F. , Kramer H. Martin , Cook David E. , Fiorin Gabriel L. , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Faino Luigi , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: September 2020

The genus
Verticillium
contains 10 species of plant-associated fungi, some of which are notorious pathogens.
Verticillium
species evolved by frequent chromosomal rearrangements that contribute to genome plasticity. Centromeres are instrumental for separation of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis, and failed centromere functionality can lead to chromosomal anomalies. Here, we used a combination of experimental techniques to identify and characterize centromeres in each of the
Verticillium
species. Intriguingly, we could strongly associate a single repetitive element to the centromeres of some of the
Verticillium
species. The presence of this element in the centromeres coincides with increased centromere sizes and genome-wide repeat expansions. Collectively, our findings signify a role of repetitive elements in the function, organization, and rapid evolution of centromeres in a set of closely related fungal species.
An Early Pandemic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Population Structure and Dynamics in Arizona
Authors: Ladner Jason T. , Larsen Brendan B. , Bowers Jolene R. , Hepp Crystal M. , Bolyen Evan , Folkerts Megan , Sheridan Krystal , Pfeiffer Ashlyn , Yaglom Hayley , Lemmer Darrin , Sahl Jason W. , Kaelin Emily A. , Maqsood Rabia , Bokulich Nicholas A. , Quirk Grace , Watts Thomas D. , Komatsu Kenneth K. , Waddell Victor , Lim Efrem S. , Caporaso J. Gregory , Engelthaler David M. , Worobey Michael , Keim Paul
Published: September 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the United States, there was great differential impact on local and regional communities. One of the earliest and hardest hit regions was in New York, while at the same time Arizona (for example) had low incidence. That situation has changed dramatically, with Arizona now having the highest rate of disease increase in the country. Understanding the roots of the pandemic during the initial months is essential as the pandemic continues and reaches new heights. Genomic analysis and phylogenetic modeling of SARS-COV-2 in Arizona can help to reconstruct population composition and predict the earliest undetected introductions. This foundational work represents the basis for future analysis and understanding as the pandemic continues.
Dietary Intervention Reverses Fatty Liver and Altered Gut Microbiota during Early-Life Undernutrition
Authors: Bauer K. C. , Huus K. E. , Brown E. M. , Bozorgmehr T. , Petersen C. , Cirstea M. S. , Woodward S. E. , McCoy J. , Hun J. , Pamplona R. , Ayala V. , Finlay B. B.
Published: September 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains a global epidemic, but it is often studied in the context of obesity and aging. Nutritional deficits, however, also trigger hepatic steatosis, influencing health trajectories in undernourished pediatric populations. Here, we report that exposure to specific gut microbes impacts fatty liver pathology in mice fed a protein/fat-deficient diet. We utilize a multiomics approach to (i) characterize NAFLD in the context of early undernutrition and (ii) examine the impact of diet and gut microbes in the pathology and reversal of hepatic steatosis. We provide compelling evidence that an early-life, critical development window facilitates undernutrition-induced fatty liver pathology. Moreover, we demonstrate that sustained dietary intervention largely reverses fatty liver features and microbiome shifts observed during early-life malnutrition.
Microbiome-Informed Food Safety and Quality: Longitudinal Consistency and Cross-Sectional Distinctiveness of Retail Chicken Breast Microbiomes
Authors: Li Shaoting , Mann David Ames , Zhang Shaokang , Qi Yan , Meinersmann Richard J. , Deng Xiangyu
Published: September 2020

Chicken has recently overtaken beef as the most-consumed meat in the United States. The growing popularity of chicken is accompanied by frequent occurrences of foodborne pathogens and increasing concerns over antibiotic usage. Our study represents a proof-of-concept investigation into the possibility and practicality of leveraging microbiome-informed food safety and quality. Through a longitudinal and cross-sectional survey, we established the chicken microbiome as a robust and multifaceted food microbiology attribute that could provide a variety of safety and quality information and retain systematic signals characteristic of overall processing environments.
Importance of serum calcium in spontaneous neck haematoma
Authors: Zammit Matthew , Siau Richard , Panarese Alessandro
Published: September 2020

We present an unusual case of spontaneous cervical haemorrhage secondary to extra-capsular bleeding from a parathyroid adenoma. Signs and symptoms on presentation included sore throat, dysphagia and anterior chest ecchymosis. While CT confirmed active cervical haemorrhage, elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone raised suspicion of possible parathyroid pathology. This case report and literature review highlight the diagnostic value of serum calcium in presentations of acute spontaneous neck haematoma. This should be considered especially in the acute phase, where imaging may not identify the source of haemorrhage. Initial observation and deferred surgery is the treatment of choice, with emergency operative management reserved for respiratory distress and worsening compressive symptoms.
Intra-articular corticosteroids for treatment of temporomandibular joint internal disorders: protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Torres Daniela , Zaror Carlos , Iturriaga Verónica , Tobias Aurelio
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Internal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are present in approximately 80% of patients with symptomatic temporomandibular disorders. Among the minimally invasive therapies, we find the intra-articular infiltration of substances, such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma accompanied or not by an arthrocentesis. There are several studies on minimally invasive therapy for internal TMJ disorders; however, none compares the effectiveness of the different intra-articular corticosteroids to each other.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the different intra-articular corticosteroids for the treatment of internal disorders of the TMJ and compare them to each other or to other minimally invasive therapies.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search will be carried out up to December 2019 in the electronic databases: Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SCOPUS and LILACS.

Randomised clinical trials evaluating patients with internal disorders of the TMJ, with intra-articular corticosteroid therapy and comparing these to each other and/or to other minimally invasive therapy will be included. The main outcomes will be pain and range of motion measured through validated scales.

Two review authors will independently screen search results, extract data from included studies and assess the risk of bias in those studies using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0). In the case of any discrepancy and failure to reach consensus, this will be resolved by a third reviewer.

A network meta-analysis will be conducted based on direct comparisons to generate indirect comparisons of the different treatments. Data will be combined in a meta-analysis using a random effects model.

The principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system will be used to assess the overall quality of the body of evidence associated with the main results.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol will not require ethical approval. The results of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

CRD42019129014.
Association of coronary revascularisation after physician-referred non-invasive diagnostic imaging tests with outcomes in patients with suspected coronary artery disease: a post hoc subgroup analysis
Authors: Kato Takao , Uemura Yukari , Naya Masanao , Matsumoto Naoya , Momose Mitsuru , Hida Satoshi , Yamauchi Takao , Nakajima Takatomo , Suzuki Eriko , Inoko Moriaki , Shiga Tohru , Tamaki Nagara
Published: September 2020

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association of the prognostic impact of coronary revascularisation with physician-referred non-invasive diagnostic imaging tests (single photon emission CT (SPECT) vs coronary CT angiography) for coronary artery disease.

Design

A post hoc analysis of a subgroup from the patient cohort recruited for the Japanese Coronary-Angiography or Myocardial Imaging for Angina Pectoris Study.

Setting

Multiple centres in Japan.

Participants

From the data of 2780 patients with stable angina, enrolled prospectively between January 2006 and March 2008 in Japan, who had undergone physician-referred non-invasive imaging tests, 1205 patients with SPECT as an initial strategy and 625 with CT as an initial strategy were analysed. We assessed the effect of revascularisation (within 90 days) in each diagnostic imaging stratum and the interaction between the two strata.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including death, myocardial infarction, hospitalisation for heart failure and late revascularisation, were followed up for 1 year. The χ2 test, Student’s t-test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test and multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were used in data analysis.

Results

A total of 210 (17.4%) patients in the SPECT stratum and 149 (23.8%) in the CT stratum underwent revascularisation. Although in each stratum, the cumulative 1 year incidence of MACEs was significantly higher in patients who underwent revascularisation than in those who did not (SPECT stratum: 9.1 vs 1.2%, log-rank p<0.0001; CT stratum: 6.1 vs 0.8%, log-rank p=0.0001), there was no interaction between the risk of revascularisation and the imaging strata (SPECT stratum: adjusted HR (95% CI), 4.25 (1.86–9.72); CT stratum: 4.13 (1.16–14.73); interaction: p=0.97).

Conclusion

The association of revascularisation with the outcomes of patients with suspected coronary artery disease was not different between SPECT-first and CT-first strategies in a physician-referred fashion.
Demographic and motivational factors affecting the whole-body donation programme in Nanjing, China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Jiang Jiayi , Zhang Mingyi , Meng Haojie , Cui Xiang , Yang Yuxin , Yuan Li , Su Chuan , Wang Jinfan , Zhang Luqing
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To investigate the demographics and motivations of whole-body donors in China, and help suggest a solution to the problem of low body donation numbers.

Design

A cross-sectional study on body donors in China. Demographic analysis of the donating information of deceased donors and in-depth interviews of potential body donors.

Setting

Eleven districts in Nanjing, China.

Participants

Deceased whole-body donors who had donated their bodies to the body donation receiving station of Nanjing Medical University between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2019 (n=835), and living registered whole-body donors (n=68).

Results

Among the whole-body donor population, the numbers of males, people older than 65 years and those working as teachers, government officials, medical staff and farmers were significantly higher than those of the general Nanjing population. Donors with an education level of college or above accounted for nearly half of the deceased donors, and considered donating their bodies earlier in their lives than others. Cancer and heart disease were the major causes of death among donors. Interviews of the 68 living donors revealed the following major motivations for the decision to donate: to support medical education; to reduce their children’s funeral burden; no longer holding traditional Chinese views on life and death; influence by role models and annoyance at complex funeral ceremonies.

Conclusions

Older people, people with an education level of college or above, labourers, teachers, government officials and farmers are the major groups that donate their bodies. Although people’s motivations for donation are complex, their desire to support medical education is the most prevalent motivation. By helping focus on target groups for promotional messaging and identifying their prime motivations, this study’s findings can provide a reference for promoting body donation in China.
Association between male involvement during antenatal care and use of maternal health services in Mwanza City, Northwestern Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Natai Clara C , Gervas Neema , Sikira Frybert M , Leyaro Beatrice J , Mfanga Juma , Yussuf Mashavu H. , Msuya Sia E
Published: September 2020

Background

Male involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is among interventions to improve maternal health. Globally male involvement in ANC is low and varies in low-income and middle-income countries including Tanzania where most maternal deaths occur. In Sub-Sahara, men are chief decision makers and highly influence maternal health. In Tanzania information is limited regarding influence of male involvement during ANC on utilisation of maternal health services.

Objectives

To determine the effect of male involvement during ANC on use of maternal health services in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Design

A cross-sectional study conducted from June to July 2019.

Setting

This study was conducted at seven randomly selected health facilities providing reproductive, maternal and child health (RCH) services in Mwanza City.

Participants

Included 430 postpartum women who delivered 1 year prior to the study and attending for RCH services (growth monitoring, vaccination, postpartum care).

Outcome measures

4 or more ANC visits, skilled birth attendant (SBA) use during childbirth and postnatal care (PNC) utilisation 48 hours after delivery.

Methods

Interviews and observation of the women’s ANC card were used to collect data. Data was entered, cleaned and analysed by SPSS.

Results

The mean age of participants was 25.7 years. Of 430 women, 54.4% reported their partners attended ANC at least once, 69.7% reported they attended for four or more ANC visits during last pregnancy, 95% used SBAs during childbirth and 9.2% attended PNC within 48 hours after delivery. Male involvement during ANC was significantly associated with four or more ANC visits (Crude Odds Ratio (COR): 1.90; 95% CI: 1.08–3.35) but not with SBA use or PNC utilisation.

Conclusion

Male involvement in ANC is still low in Mwanza, as 46% of the partners had not attended with partners at ANC. Alternative strategies are needed to improve participation. Studies among men are required to explore the barriers of participation in overall RCH services.
Assessing the relevance and uptake of core outcome sets (an agreed minimum collection of outcomes to measure in research studies) in Cochrane systematic reviews: a review
Authors: Williamson Paula R , de Ávila Oliveira Ricardo , Clarke Mike , Gorst Sarah L , Hughes Karen , Kirkham Jamie J , Li Tianjing , Saldanha Ian J , Schmitt Jochen
Published: September 2020

Objectives

A core outcome set (COS) is an agreed standardised minimum collection of outcomes that should be measured and reported in research in a specific area of health. Cochrane systematic reviews (‘reviews’) are rigorous reviews on health-related topics conducted under the auspices of Cochrane. This study examines the use of existing COS to inform the choice of outcomes in Cochrane systematic reviews (‘reviews’) and investigates the views of the coordinating editors of Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs) on this topic.

Methods

A cohort of 100 recently published or updated Cochrane reviews were assessed for reference to a COS being used to inform the choice of outcomes for the review. Existing COS, published 2 or more years before the review publication, were then identified to assess how often a reviewer could have used a relevant COS if it was available. We asked 52 CRG coordinating editors about their involvement in COS development, how outcomes are selected for reviews in their CRG and their views of the advantages and challenges surrounding the standardisation of outcomes within their CRG.

Results

In the cohort of reviews from 2019, 40% (40/100) of reviewers noted problems due to outcome inconsistency across the included studies. In 7% (7/100) of reviews, a COS was referenced in relation to the choice of outcomes for the review. Relevant existing COS could be considered for a review update in 35% of the others (33/93). Most editors who responded (31/36, 86%) thought that COS should definitely or possibly be used to inform the choice of outcomes in a review.

Conclusions

Systematic reviewers are continuing to note outcome heterogeneity but are starting to use COS to inform their reviews. There is potential for greater uptake of COS in Cochrane reviews.