bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-analysis of Cognitive Remediation for Schizophrenia: Efficacy and the Role of Participant and Treatment Factors
Authors: Lejeune Julia A , Northrop Andrew , Kurtz Matthew M
Published: February 2021

The number of randomized, controlled studies of cognitive remediation (CR) for schizophrenia, a therapeutic approach designed to improve cognitive skills and function, has grown substantially over the past 20 years. Active elements of CR treatment, however, remain unknown. The current meta-analysis investigated treatment, study, and participant factors in the size of observed treatment effects. Electronic databases were searched up to May 2020 using variants of the key words “cognitive remediation,” “clinical trials,” and “schizophrenia.” This search produced 73 unique, randomized, controlled trials. Data were independently extracted by 3 reviewers with excellent reliability. Random-effects models were used to assess primary cognitive and secondary symptom and functional outcomes. Moderator analyses investigated the role of a variety of treatment, study, and participant factors. The meta-analysis (4594 participants) revealed that CR produced significant small-to-moderate size improvements in all domains of cognition studied (Hedge’s gs = .19–.33). and a significant small improvement in function (Hedge’s g = .21). CR programs that included a discussion (“bridging”) group to help apply acquired cognitive skills to everyday life produced larger effects on global cognition and verbal memory. CR programs with strategy-coaching produced larger effects on episodic memory. Sample age, gender, positive, negative, and overall symptoms, and medication dose did not serve as barriers to treatment gains. CR produces small-to-moderate improvements in cognition and function in schizophrenia. Programs of CR that utilize bridging groups and strategy-coaching are more cognitively potent. Future research should focus on ways to modify CR to bolster generalization of cognitive improvements to function.
Intranasal Ketamine for Acute Pain
Authors: Rocchio Robert J. , Ward Kristina E.
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

The aim was to review current evidence regarding the off-label use of intranasal ketamine for acute pain presenting in the setting of the emergency department, and secondary to pediatric limb injuries, renal colic, digital nerve block, and migraines.

Results:

In all 5 indications reviewed, ketamine demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain. However, when compared with other agents, ketamine did not demonstrate superiority over opioids in pediatric limb injuries or renal colic and was not as efficacious as standard therapy for migraine relief. Ketamine was also associated with a greater incidence of transient adverse reactions, such as dizziness, bitter aftertaste, fatigue, and vomiting than opioid therapies.

Discussion:

The current body of evidence is insufficient to support the use of intranasal ketamine over other standard therapies for acute pain. However, current evidence can be used when developing dosing strategies, preparing for adverse reactions, and generating hypotheses for future, more robust research.
A Meta-analysis of Dynamic Prevalence of Cognitive Deficits in the Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Phases After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Tsai Ying-Chieh , Liu Chin-Jung , Huang Hui-Chuan , Lin Jiann-Her , Chen Pin-Yuan , Su Yu-Kai , Chen Chun-Ting , Chiu Hsiao-Yean
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Reports regarding prevalence of post–traumatic brain injury (TBI) cognitive deficits were inconsistent. We aimed to synthesize the prevalence of cognitive deficits after TBI in the acute, subacute, and chronic phases. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I databases were searched from the inception to April 27, 2020. Studies with prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional designs reporting the prevalence of cognitive deficits after TBI in adults were included. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles were included for prevalence estimation. The pooled prevalence of memory and attention deficits after mild TBI was 31% and 20% in the acute phase and 26% and 18% in the subacute phase, respectively, and 49% and 54% in the subacute phase and 21% and 50% in the chronic phase after moderate-to-severe TBI. The overall prevalence of information processing speed deficits after mild TBI in the acute and subacute phases was 21% and 17%, respectively, and 57% in the chronic phase after moderate-to-severe TBI. The overall prevalence of executive dysfunction in the subacute and chronic phases was 48% and 38%, respectively, after moderate-to-severe TBI. CONCLUSION: Cognitive deficits are prevalent in the acute to chronic phases after TBI. Healthcare providers should design effective intervention targeting cognitive impairment after TBI as early as possible.
High-Dose Prednisolone for Treatment of Infantile Spasms After Presumed Perinatal Stroke
Authors: Hall Kristin R. , Golomb Meredith R.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: High-dose prednisone and prednisolone have been increasingly studied as a lower-cost alternative to adrenocorticotropic hormone for the treatment of infantile spasms, but this treatment has not been well studied in children with infantile spasms due to perinatal stroke. METHODS: We identified a girl with new-onset infantile spasms due to presumed perinatal left middle cerebral artery stroke seen in our hospital's pediatric stroke clinic in 2019. RESULTS: This girl developed infantile spasms at 9 months old. She had right hemiplegic cerebral palsy due to her perinatal stroke but had been otherwise previously healthy. Modified hypsarrhythmia was confirmed on prolonged video-electroencephalography. High-dose prednisolone at 8 mg/kg per day was initiated on the sixth day of spasms. She was treated with this dose for 2 weeks and then tapered over 5 weeks. The girl became seizure-free after receiving her first dose of prednisolone and experienced no significant adverse effects during therapy. Routine electroencephalography after completion of prednisolone taper confirmed resolution of modified hypsarrhythmia and no epileptiform discharges. She continued to make excellent development progress during and after treatment. CONCLUSION: This case suggests high-dose prednisolone could be considered for first-line therapy for children with infantile spasms due to perinatal stroke; further study is needed.
Simulation as a Dynamic Tool to Reorganize Pediatric Emergency Department Resuscitation During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and Beyond
Authors: Lavoie Megan E. , Tay Khoon-Yen , Good Grace , Buchhalter Lillian , Abbadessa Mary Kate , Gaines Shannon , Myers Sage
Published: February 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has challenged hospitals and pediatric emergency department (PED) providers to rapidly adjust numerous facets of the care of critically ill or injured children to minimize health care worker (HCW) exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Objective

We aimed to iteratively devise protocols and processes that minimized HCW exposure while safely and effectively caring for children who may require unanticipated aerosol-generating procedures.

Methods

As part of our PED's initiative to optimize clinical care and HCW safety during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, regular multidisciplinary systems and process simulation sessions were conducted. These sessions allowed us to evaluate and reorganize patient flow, test and improve communication modalities, alter the process for consultation in resuscitations, and teach and reinforce the appropriate donning and use of personal protective equipment.

Results

Simulation was a highly effective method to disseminate new practices to PED staff. Numerous workflow modifications were implemented as a result of our in situ systems and process simulations. Total number of persons in the resuscitation room was minimized, use of a “command post” with remote providers was initiated, communication devices and strategies were trialed and adopted, and personal protective equipment standards that optimized HCW safety and communication were enacted.

Conclusions

Simulation can be an effective and agile tool in restructuring patient workflow and care of the most critically ill or injured patients in a PED during a novel pandemic.
Simultaneous Small/Medium Umbilical Hernia Repair With Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG): Results of a Retrospective Case-matched Study
Authors: Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Velotti Nunzio , Schiavone Vincenzo , Musella Mario
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Periumbilical hernias are a common finding in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery; however, the timing of repair is still debated. The aim of this paper is to compare the outcomes of simultaneous versus delayed mesh repair of umbilical hernia in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods:

We retrospectively compared 2 groups of morbidly obese patients with small/medium periumbilical hernia (up to 4 cm) in a case-matched study: the first group underwent LSG with simultaneous periumbilical hernia repair; in the second, hernioplasty was performed after weight loss induced by LSG. Patients were matched at a 1:1 ratio according to age, comorbidities, defect size (<2 or ≥2 cm), and obesity grade (<40 or ≥40 kg/m2). Demographic, clinical information, hernia size, data from the surgery, and its complications were retrieved and analyzed.

Results:

In total, 40 patients were retrieved from our prospectively maintained database and divided into 2 matched groups of 20 subjects each. Baseline characteristics were comparable. After a median time of 19.8±5.6 months, the recurrence rate was not significantly different in the 2 groups. There was no difference in the rate of single complications, but overall morbidity was significantly higher in patients undergoing a 2-step approach. LSG operation time and hospital stay resulted in comparable, but total hospital stay was longer for those readmitted for delayed hernioplasty.

Conclusions:

In the case of morbidly obese patients with small/medium periumbilical hernia undergoing LSG, a simultaneous approach should be offered. Our proposed technique did not prolong operative time and showed a lower rate of overall morbidity.
Serum Amylase Levels is a Predictor for Negative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Suspected Common Bile Duct Stones
Authors: Pencovich Niv , Lachiani Moshe , Phillips Adam , Santo Erwin , Nachmany Ido
Published: February 2021

Negative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for suspected common bile duct stones (CBDS) may be associated with significant morbidity and should be avoided. Between 2010 and 2018, 85 patients who have undergone negative ERCP for suspected CBDS were retrospectively evaluated and compared with 318 patients with positive findings. Predictors for negative ERCP were assessed. Patients with negative ERCP were younger; had increased levels of serum amylase, alanine transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase; and increased hemoglobin. Even though preprocedure computed tomography (CT) or ultrasonography demonstrating CBDS were highly predictive of positive findings on ERCP, of the 212 patients with CBDS on computed tomography or ultrasonography, 17 (8%) eventually had a negative ERCP, suggesting spontaneous stone passage. An increased serum amylase level was the only predictor for negative ERCP in multivariate analysis, including in patients with preprocedure CBDS on imaging. The data suggest that assessing serum amylase may assist in avoiding unnecessary examinations.
Methylomic alteration in peripheral blood lymphocytes of prodromal stage and first-episode Chinese Han schizophrenia patients
Authors: Liu Yi , Lang Bing , Smith Robert C. , Wang Guodong , Wang Jijun , Liu Yong , Jin Hua , Lyu Hailong , Davis John M. , Guidotti Alessandro R. , Zhao Jingping , Wu Renrong
Published: February 2021

Background

Although epigenetic dysregulation has long been proposed to promote the onset of schizophrenia, the landscape of the methylomic changes across the whole genome is yet established.

Methods

Using Infinium Human Methylation 850 BeadChip Array and MethylTarget sequencing method, we investigated the genome-wide methylation profiles and further validated methylation profiles of target genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes between individuals with psychosis risk syndrome (PRS), patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and healthy controls (HC) in Chinese Han population.

Results

We detected 372 sites between psychosis risk syndrome (PRS) and healthy controls (HC), which increased to 460 sites in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) with 207 sites shared. Both PRS and FES featured profound hypomethylation within gene body. Gene ontology and network annotation merged on loci enriched in disease associated signaling pathways (MAPK(Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases), Glutamatergic, GABAergic etc.).

Conclusions

Our study implicated characteristic hypomethylation in both the discovery and validation cohorts inSYNGAP1, one of the frequently studied genes in neurodevelopmental disorders. This is the first methylome-wide association study between PRS and FES in Chinese Han population. Our findings provide potential biomarkers that can be used for future development of disease therapy and management.
Copy number variation profile-based genomic subtyping of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Chinese
Authors: Xue Hong , Wu Zhenggang , Long Xi , Ullah Ata , Chen Si , Mat Wai-Kin , Sun Peng , Gao Ming-Zhou , Wang Jie-Qiong , Wang Hai-Jun , Li Xia , Sun Wen-Jun , Qiao Ming-Qi
Published: February 2021

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects nearly 5% women of reproductive age. The symptomatic heterogeneity, along with largely unknown genetics, of PMDD have greatly hindered its effective treatment. In the present study, 127 Chinese PMDD patients of the ‘invasion’ and ‘depression’ subtypes clinically differentiated by us earlier were analyzed together with 108 non-PMDD controls for genome-wide copy number variations (CNVs). Germline genomic DNA samples from white blood cells were subjected to AluScan sequencing-based CNV profiling, which enabled clustering of patient samples readily into the V and D groups, dominated by the “invasion” and “depression” clinical subtypes, respectively; the CNVs obtained with 100-kb windows yielded two clusters that were correlated with these subtypes with a consistency of up to 89.8%. Diagnostic correlation- and frequency-based CNV features of either CNV-gain (CNVG) or CNV-loss (CNVL) that could differentiate between V and D subtypes were selected and analyzed. CNVG features located preferentially in S2-phase replicating regions and enriched with steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway of genes were found protective against PMDD. Moreover, machine learning employing the correlation-based CNV features could predict with >80% accuracy whether a genomic sample was D-type, V-type or control. In terms of their CNV profiles, the D- and V-types differed more from one another than from the controls, thereby providing a genomic basis for the clinical D-V subtyping of PMDD. Genome-wide profiling of CNVs, as a new approach to complex disease genetics, has revealed recurrent CNVs and genomic features beyond individual genes and mutations underlying PMDD clinical diversity.
Aerosphere occupancy (ψ) model of lesser short nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus brachyotisMuller, 1838) related to tree species in Asia mountainous paddy fields
Authors: Basukriadi Adi , Nurdin Erwin , Wibowo Andri , Gunawan Jimi
Published: February 2021

Bat is animal that occupies aerosphere, especially fruit bats that forage on the space around the trees. The fruit bats use whether narrow space below tree canopy or in edge space on the edge of canopy. Whereas the aerosphere occupancy of fruits bats related to the specific tree species is poorly understood. Here, this paper aims to assess and model the association of fruit batCynopterus brachyotisaerosphere occupancy (Ψ) with tree species planted in mountainous paddy fields in West Java. The studied tree species includingAlianthus altissima, Acaciasp.,Cocos nucifera, Mangifera indica, Pinussp., andSwietenia macrophylla. The result shows that the tree species diversity has significantly (x2= 27.67, P < 0.05) affected theC. brachyotisaerosphere occupancy. According to values of Ψ and occupancy percentage, high occupancy of narrow space byC. brachyotiswas observed inSwietenia macrophylla(Ψ = 0.934, 78%), followed byAlianthus altissima(Ψ = 0.803, 57%), andMangifera indica(Ψ = 913, 55%). While high occupancy of edge space was observed inMangifera indica(Ψ = 0.685, 41%), followed byPinussp. (Ψ = 0.674, 38%), andAlianthus altissimasp. (Ψ = 0.627, 36%). The best model for explainingC. brachyotisoccupation in narrow space is the tree height with preferences on high tree (Ψ~tree height, AIC = 1.574, R2= 0.5535, Adj. R = 0.4047). While for edge space occupant, the best model is also the tree height (Ψ~tree height, AIC = −26.1510, R2= 0.7944, Adj. R = 0.7258).
How to count your bugs?
Authors: Onufrieva Ksenia S. , Onufriev Alexey V.
Published: February 2021

Ability to estimate local population density of an insect is critical in many fields, from pest management to conservation. No method currently exists that reliably connects trap catch with the insect population density, including the corresponding uncertainty. Here we report a simple and universal predictive relationship for a probability of catching an insect located a given distance away from the trap. This relationship allows to estimate, from a single catch, the most likely population density along with its statistical upper and lower bounds. To test the generality of this equation we used 10 distinct trapping data sets collected on insects from 5 different orders and major trapping methods: chemical-baited and light. For all of the datasets the equation faithfullydescribes the relationship between location of an insect and probability to catch it. The ability to estimate absolute population density from a single trap catch will significantly improve our understanding of insect population dynamics and allow for more effective research, management, and conservation programs.
Does the ratio of β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) to β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) indicate the relative resource allocation of soil microbes to C and N acquisition?
Authors: Mori Taiki , Aoyagi Ryota , Kitayama Kanehiro , Mo Jiangming
Published: February 2021

The ratio of β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) to β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activity (BG:NAG ratio) is often used as an indicator of the relative resource allocation of soil microbes to C acquisition compared with N. An increasing number of recent studies have used this index to assess the nutrient status of microbes. However, the validity of this index for assessing the nutrient status of microbes is not well tested. In this study, we collected published data and tested that validity by investigating whether N fertilization elevated the BG:NAG ratio, assuming that microbes reduce their allocation to the N-acquiring enzyme (NAG) under N-enriched conditions. Of the data points, 54% (82/151) did not support the hypothesis because those studies showed lower BG:NAG ratios in N-enriched soils than under ambient conditions, especially when the ambient BG:NAG ratio was higher than 2.0 (77%, 59/77). This suggests that the BG:NAG ratio does not always indicate the microbial status for C or N limitation. Rather, we hypothesized that the decomposition stage explained the variation in BG:NAG because N addition accelerates decomposition, and the BG:NAG ratio is lower at later stages of decomposition due to the dominance of NAG-targeting C (chitin or peptidoglycan). A negative correlation of BG:NAG ratio with polyphenol oxidase activity, which increases with decomposition, supported our hypothesis.
Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in the Republic of Ireland during waves 1 and 2 of the pandemic
Authors: Mallon P.W.G. , Crispie F. , Gonzalez G. , Tinago W. , Garcia Leon A.A. , McCabe M. , de Barra E. , Yousif O. , Lambert J.S. , Walsh C.J. , Kenny J.G. , Feeney E. , Carr M. , Doran P. , Cotter P.D.
Published: February 2021

Background

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory-confirmed cases can provide insights into viral transmission and genetic diversity at a population level. However, less is known about the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including ‘lockdowns’, on circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages and variants of concern, the relative contribution of travel to re-emergence of pandemic waves within communities or how different lineages and variants contribute to disease severity.

Methods

We have conducted an analysis within a prospective, multicentre observational study of individuals attending four hospitals in the South-East of Ireland with COVID-19. Samples underwent WGS from which lineages and variants were assigned, lineage frequency was plotted over time and phylogenetic analysis was employed to determine the origin of variants detected post-lockdown. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed relationships between viral lineage/variant and COVID-19 disease severity.

Results

We analysed 225 genome sequences across two SARS-CoV-2 waves, 134 (59.6%) from wave 1 (March to June) and 91 (40.4%) from wave 2 (July to December), representing 15.2% of COVID-19 admissions to these hospitals during the sampling periods. Four variants (B.1.1.162, B1.1.70, B.1.1.267 and B.1.1) comprised 68% of variants detected during wave 1. Of these variants, only a single B.1.1.70 sequence was detected in wave 2, while the B.1.177 lineage emerged and contributed to 82.3% of lineages detected. Phylogenetic analysis suggested multiple introductions of wave 2 variants from outside Ireland. We found no consistent association between SARS-CoV-2 lineages and disease severity.

Conclusions

These data suggest elimination of common SARS-CoV-2 lineages from hospitalised cases associated with effective NPIs and that importation of new viral variants through travel was a significant contributor to the re-emergence of the pandemic in the second wave in Ireland. Our findings highlight the importance of genomic surveillance in identifying circulating viral genetic diversity and variants of concern and, also, modelling the disease burden of SARS-CoV-2.
Differential impact of plant secondary metabolites on the soil microbiota
Authors: Schütz Vadim , Frindte Katharina , Cui Jiaxin , Zhang Pengfan , Hacquard Stéphane , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Knief Claudia , Schulz Margot , Dörmann Peter
Published: February 2021

Plant metabolites can shape the microbial community composition in the soil. Two indole metabolites, benzoxazolinone (BOA) and gramine, produced by different Gramineae species, and quercetin, a flavonoid synthesized by many dicot species, were studied for their impacts on the community structure of soil bacteria. The three plant metabolites were directly added to agricultural soil over a period of 28 days. Alterations in bacterial composition were monitored by next generation sequencing of 16SrRNAgene PCR products and phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Treatment of the soil with the plant metabolites altered the composition of bacterial taxa on the phylum and genus levels. Alpha diversity was significantly altered by BOA or quercetin, but not by gramine. BOA treatment caused an increase in the relative abundances of only four genera, three of them belonging to the Actinobacteriota. Gramine or quercetin treatment resulted in the increase in relative abundance of 13 or 14 genera, respectively, most of them belonging to the Proteobacteria. The relative abundance of 22 genera was decreased after BOA treatment, 16 of which were also decreased by gramine or quercetin. Isolation and characterization of cultivable bacterial indicated an enrichment in specificArthrobacterorPseudomonasstrains. Therefore, the effects of the treatments on soil bacteria were characteristic for each metabolite, with BOA exerting a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect, with only few genera able to proliferate, while gramine and quercetin caused the proliferation of many potentially beneficial strains. As a consequence, benzoxazolinone or gramine biosynthesis which have evolved in different barley species, is accompanied with the association with distinct bacterial communities in the soil, presumably after mutual adaptation during evolution.
Tankyrase-mediated ADP-ribosylation is a novel regulator of TNF-induced death
Authors: Liu Lin , Sandow Jarrod J. , Leslie Pedrioli Deena M. , Silke Natasha , Hu Zhaoqing , Morrish Emma , Chau Diep , Kratina Tobias , Kueh Andrew J. , Hottiger Michael O. , Webb Andrew I. , Lalaoui Najoua , Silke John
Published: February 2021

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an inflammatory cytokine that, upon binding to its receptor TNFR1, can drive cytokine production, cell survival, or cell death and is a major component of an organism’s anti-pathogen repetoire1,2. TNF stimulation leads to the formation of two distinct signalling complexes, a well-defined membrane bound complex (complex 1), and a less well characterised cytosolic death inducing complex (complex 2). Using mass spectrometry, we identified the ADP-ribosyltransferase, tankyrase-1 (TNKS1/TNKS/ARTD5/PARP5a) as a novel native complex 2 component. Following a TNF-induced death stimulus TNKS1 is recruited to complex 2, resulting in complex 2 poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation). Tankyrase inhibitors sensitise cells to TNF-induced death, which is correlated with increased complex 2 assembly. Tankyrase-mediated PARylation promotes recruitment of the E3 ligase RNF146 and RNF146 deficiency or proteasome inhibition results in increased levels of complex 2, suggesting that RNF146 causes proteasomal degradation of complex 2. Several viruses express ADP-ribose binding macrodomain proteins, and expression of the SARS-CoV-2 or VEEV macrodomain markedly sensitises cells to TNF-induced death. This suggests that ADP-ribosylation serves as yet another mechanism to detect pathogenic interference of TNF signalling and retaliate with an inflammatory cell death.
GABA administration limits viral replication and pneumonitis in a mouse model of COVID-19
Authors: Tian Jide , Middleton Blake , Kaufman Daniel L.
Published: February 2021

Despite the availability of vaccines for COVID-19, serious illness and death induced by coronavirus infection will remain a global health burden because of vaccination hesitancy, possible virus mutations, and the appearance of novel coronaviruses. Accordingly, there is a need for new approaches to limit severe illness stemming from coronavirus infections. Cells of the immune system and lung epithelia express receptors for GABA (GABA-Rs), a widely used neurotransmitter within the CNS. GABA-R agonists have anti-inflammatory effects and can limit acute lung injury. We previously showed that GABA treatment effectively reduced disease severity and death rates in mice following infection with a coronavirus (MHV-1) which provides a potentially lethal model of COVID-19. Here, we report that GABA treatment also reduced viral load in the lungs, suggesting that GABA-Rs may provide a new druggable target to limit pulmonary coronavirus replication. Histopathological analysis revealed that GABA treatment reduced lung inflammatory infiltrates and damages. Since GABA is safe for human consumption, inexpensive, and available worldwide, it is a promising candidate to help treat COVID-19.
Intranasal type I interferon treatment is beneficial only when administered before clinical signs onset in the SARS-CoV-2 hamster model
Authors: Bessière Pierre , Wasniewski Marine , Picard-Meyer Evelyne , Servat Alexandre , Figueroa Thomas , Foret-Lucas Charlotte , Coggon Amelia , Lesellier Sandrine , Boué Frank , Cebron Nathan , Gausserès Blandine , Trumel Catherine , Foucras Gilles , Salguero Francisco J , Monchatre-Leroy Elodie , Volmer Romain
Published: February 2021

Impaired type I interferons (IFNs) production or signaling have been associated with severe COVID-19, further promoting the evaluation of recombinant type I IFNs as therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the Syrian hamster model, we show that intranasal administration of IFN-α starting one day pre-infection or one day post-infection limited weight loss and decreased viral lung titers. By contrast, intranasal administration of IFN-α starting at the onset of symptoms three days post-infection had no impact on the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results provide evidence that early type I IFN treatments are beneficial, while late interventions are ineffective, although not associated with signs of enhanced disease.

One Sentence Summary

The timing of type I interferon treatment is a critical determinant of its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Genome-wide transcriptome and translatome analyses reveal the role of protein extension and domestication in liver cancer oncogenesis
Authors: Wang Nima , Wang Dalei
Published: February 2021

One gene could be transcribed to different RNA isoforms, and then produce various forms of protein sequences. This mechanism largely diversifies the cellular pool and allows natural selection to select from a wider range of substrates. Most of the deleterious changes should be either purged or only be observed in patients with deficiencies or diseases. In the cancer field, the “intra-gene” changes between tumor and normal tissues such as the alternative splicing, stop codon read-through, or protein domestication could not be captured by differential expression analyses. In this work, we collected public transcriptome and translatome data from ten patients with liver cancer, and performed genome-wide comparison on the stop codon read-through and protein domestication events. Both events could diversify the proteome without changing the genome sequence. Surprisingly, we found that compared to normal tissues, the tumor tissues globally have significantly higher occurrence of stop codon read-through events. Similarly, the translation signals of non-coding repetitive elements (protein domestication) are elevated in tumor samples. These read-through and domestication events show limited overlapping across the ten patients, suggesting the randomness of the occurrence. It also indicates that these tumor-specific read-through and domestication events should be deleterious, and should be purged by natural selection if they are not collected timely. Our work manifests the role of protein extension and domestication in liver cancer oncogenesis, and adds new aspects to the cancer field.
The Size-Weight Illusion is unimpaired in individuals with a history of congenital visual deprivation
Authors: Pant Rashi , Guerreiro Maria J. S. , Ley Pia , Bottari Davide , Shareef Idris , Kekunnaya Ramesh , Röder Brigitte
Published: February 2021

Visual deprivation in childhood can lead to lifelong impairments in visual and multisensory processing. Here, the Size-Weight-Illusion was used to test whether visuo-haptic integration recovers after sight restoration. In Experiment 1, congenital (CC: 7 (3F), 8–35 years) and developmental cataract reversal individuals (DC: 9 (2F), 8–37 years), as well as congenitally blind (CB: 2 (1F), 33 and 44 years) and normally sighted individuals (SC: 10 (7F), 19-36 years) perceived larger objects as lighter than smaller objects of the same weight. In Experiment 2, CC (6 (1F), 17–44.7 years) and SC (7 (5F), 21-29 years) individuals performed identically when tested without haptic size cues. Together, this suggested that early visual experience is not necessary to perceive the Size-Weight-Illusion.
A developmental stage- and Kidins220/ARMS-dependent switch in astrocyte responsiveness to brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Jaudon Fanny , Albini Martina , Ferroni Stefano , Benfenati Fabio , Cesca Fabrizia
Published: February 2021

Astroglial cells are key to maintain nervous system homeostasis, as they are able to perceive a wide variety of extracellular signals and to transduce them into responses that may be protective or disruptive toward neighboring neurons through the activation of distinct signaling pathways. Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors known for their pleiotropic effects on neuronal survival, maturation and plasticity. In this work, we investigated: (i) the signaling competence of embryonic and postnatal primary cortical astrocytes exposed to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); and (ii) the role of the scaffold protein Kinase D interacting substrate/ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning (Kidins220/ARMS), a transmembrane protein that mediates neurotrophin signaling in neurons, in the astrocyte response to BDNF. We found a shift from a kinase-based response in embryonic cells to a predominantly [Ca2+]i-based response in postnatal cultures associated with the decreased expression of the full-length BDNF receptor TrkB. We also found that Kidins220/ARMS contributes to the BDNF-activated intracellular signaling in astrocytes by potentiating both kinase and [Ca2+]ipathways. Finally, Kidins220/ARMS contributes to astrocytes’ homeostatic function by controlling the expression of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir) 4.1. Overall, our data contribute to the understanding of the complex role played by astrocytes within the central nervous system and identify Kidins220/ARMS as a novel actor in the increasing number of pathologies characterized by astrocytes’ dysfunctions.
Value co-creation and social media at bottom of pyramid (BOP)
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Nguyen Bang
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the value co-creation at bottom of the pyramid (BOP) using social media and to investigate how it is impacted by age, gender and peer influence.

Design/methodology/approach

A BOP approach provides sustainable profits by involving low-income producers and consumers by way of co-creating values. The focus of the BOP approach in the business environment in this study is to establish co-creation among the different stakeholders at the BOP level. With the help of a literature review and related theories, a conceptual model has been developed. The model has been tested statistically for validation using a survey by considering 314 usable respondents.

Findings

This study has focused on the impact of different issues such as age, gender and peer influence concerning the consumers at BOP segments involving in co-creation activities. The study finds that people at BOP segments emphasize more social media usage compared to the influence of peers in the context of co-creating values.

Research limitations/implications

Co-creation at BOP is a new approach. This study is unique research where it identifies the impact of gender, age and peer influence at the BOP level consumers for co-creation activities. The study also highlights the influence of social media on BOP consumers for co-creating values. The model so developed along with the findings of this study contribute to the overall body of knowledge in this area which has a wider theoretical and social implication.

Practical implications

The proposed model in this study can help organizations to understand the impact of age, gender, peer influence on value co-creation activities at BOP using social media. This study can help managers of the organizations involved in co-creation at BOP to formulate an appropriate strategy to get engaged with the customers at BOP. Finally, this study can motivate customers to value co-creating and engaging with organizations.

Originality/value

This study has primarily identified the impact of age, gender and peer influence for the consumers at BOP segments and is involved in different co-creation activities. The study has been mainly conducted in India, an emerging economy. None of such studies has been conducted in the emerging markets. Thus, this study claims to have possessed its uniqueness.
A novel approach for brain tumor detection by self-organizing map (SOM) using adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for robotic systems
Authors: Baalamurugan K.M. , Singh Priyamvada , Ramalingam Vijay
Published: February 2021

Purpose

One of the foremost research disciplines in medical image processing is to identify tumors, which is a challenging task practicing traditional methods. To overcome this, various research studies have been done effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Medical image processing is evolving swiftly with modern technologies being developed every day. The advanced technologies improve medical fields in diagnosing diseases at the more advanced stages and serve to provide proper treatment.

Findings

Either the mass growth or abnormal growth concerning the cells in the brain is called a brain tumor.

Originality/value

The brain tumor can be categorized into two significant varieties, non-cancerous and cancerous. The carcinogenic tumors or cancerous is termed as malignant and non-carcinogenic tumors are termed benign tumors. If the cells in the tumor are healthy then it is a benign tumor, whereas, the abnormal growth or the uncontrollable growth of the cell is indicated as malignant. To find the tumor the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is carried out which is a tiresome and monotonous task done by a radiologist. In-order to diagnosis the brain tumor at the initial stage effectively with improved accuracy, the computer-aided robotic research technology is incorporated. There are numerous segmentation procedures, which help in identifying tumor cells from MRI images. It is necessary to select a proper segmentation mechanism to detect brain tumors effectively that can be aided with robotic systems. This research paper focuses on self-organizing map (SOM) by applying the adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The execution measures are determined to employ the confusion matrix, accuracy, sensitivity, and furthermore, specificity. The results achieved conclusively explicate that the proposed model presents more reliable outcomes when compared to existing techniques.
Does religious perspective influence tax non-compliance? Evidence from Yemen
Authors: Al-Ttaffi Lutfi Hassen Ali , Abdul-Jabbar Hijattulah , Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance the understanding of tax non-compliance behaviour of owner-managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Yemen. Drawing on the behavioural perspective and not on the Shariaper se, this study investigated the perspectives of Muslims towards government’s right to impose tax, summarised in three categories: forbidden, permissible and permissible under certain conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using a self-administered survey to collect the required data from a sample of 500 SMEs in Yemen. Non-compliance is measured in terms of a single hypothetical tax scenario covering four types of tax situations. Yet, Muslims’ perspective towards the government’s right to impose tax was measured using the three perspectives stated above.

Findings

As the major finding, Muslims’ perspective towards taxation has a significant influence on their likely tax compliance behaviour. Specifically, the taxpayers who believed that tax is totally permissible (i.e. the government has the right to impose tax) were more compliant than those who believed that tax is totally forbidden. Furthermore, taxpayers’ non-compliance decisions are statistically related to tax rate and penalties.

Practical implications

The findings could serve as a useful input for taxation policy and strategy in Yemen. It is recommended that government should stress the importance of paying tax as a citizen’s obligation and also emphasise the religious legality of taxation, as it is used for public purposes.

Originality/value

This study differs from the existing literature in that its empirical investigation scrutinises the effect of citizens’ perspectives towards taxation on their non-compliance behaviour within the Islamic religion itself, particularly, in a typical Muslim community such as Yemen. The study is pioneer in adopting the views of different scholars on the government’s right to collect taxes based on three religious views (forbidden, permissible and permissible under certain conditions), which were used for measurement.
Activity apprehension in experiential purchases
Authors: Miller Chadwick J. , Samper Adriana , Mandel Naomi , Brannon Daniel C. , Salas Jim , Troncoza Martha
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the number of activities within a multi-activity experience influences consumer preferences before and after consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested using four experiments and a secondary data set from a river cruise firm that includes first-time river cruise purchases by consumers from this firm between January 2011 and December 2015 (n = 337,457).

Findings

Consumers prefer experiences with fewer (vs more) activities before consumption – a phenomenon, this paper calls “activity apprehension” – but prefer experiences with more (vs fewer) activities after consumption. A mediation analysis indicates that this phenomenon occurs because the highly perishable nature of activities makes consumers uncertain about their ability to use all the activities within the experience (usage uncertainty).

Practical implications

Evaluations of a multi-activity experience depend on both the number of activities and on whether the consumer is at the pre- or post-consumption stage of the customer journey. As such, firms looking to sell multi-activity experiences should design and promote these experiences in a way that minimizes activity apprehension.

Originality/value

This study is the first to demonstrate that consumer perceptions of an optimal experience depend on both the number of included activities and on the stage of the customer journey (i.e. pre- or post-purchase). It further contributes to the consumer experience literature by examining an unexplored activity characteristic, perishability, in shaping experiential purchase decisions. Finally, it demonstrates a new way in which experiential purchases differ from tangible product purchases.
Resource efficiency improvement: zero waste discharge planning in a pulp-and-paper firm under uncertainties
Authors: Jeng Shiou-Yun , Lin Chun-Wei , Tseng Ming-Lang , Jantarakolica Korbkul , Tan Raymond
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study develops an integrated zero waste discharge planning approach for improving resource efficiency in a pulp-and-paper manufacturing firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives of this study are to (1) identify the environmental, technical and social metrics in resource efficiency; (2) utilize fuzzy multi-objective programming and the hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the fuzzy problem; and (3) develop an assessment for resource efficiency improvement in an industrial case study.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the superiority of hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm in generating optimal results for a pulp-and-paper manufacturing firm.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate the superiority of hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm in generating optimal results for a pulp-and-paper manufacturing firm.

Originality/value

Resource efficiency is a multi-objective problem in an uncertain environment. In particular, zero waste discharge planning involves minimizing the total cost and maximizing the waste material recovery rate, wastewater reuse, and waste heat recovery.
Chemical and microbial evaluation of bread and biscuits made from wheat flour substituted with cassava flour
Authors: Andrade de Oliveira Viviane , Costa Gilmar Freire da , de Sousa Solange
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the chemical and microbiological quality of biscuits and bread through the partial substitution of the wheat flour.

Design/methodology/approach

Completely randomized experiment with four treatments and nine replications was used in this study. The quality of biscuits and bread formulations was monitored by chemical parameters (moisture, ashes, protein, lipids, pH, water activity, acidity and carbohydrates) and microbiological parameters (coliforms at 35 and 45ºC, coagulase positive Staphylococcus and Salmonella sp.).

Findings

The formulation of biscuits containing 25, 50 and 75% of cassava flour and formulation of bread containing 10, 20 and 30% of cassava flour had higher carbohydrate content compared to the control formulation (p = 0.014). This was associated with the incorporation of cassava flour, which is an excellent producer of carbohydrates compared to other cereals. All formulations showed values <3 for coliforms at 35 and 45ºC and coagulase positive Staphylococci, as well as an absence for Salmonella sp.

Originality/value

The present attempt was made to formulate biscuits and bread with a reduction in wheat flour and the addition of manioc flour, with the objective of reaching products with higher carbohydrate content and low gluten content, to improve the nutritional level and commercial value of these products.
A novel double sparse structure dictionary learning–based compressive data-gathering algorithm in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chen Junying , Guo Zhanshe , Zhou Fuqiang , Wan Jiangwen , Wang Donghao
Published: February 2021

Purpose

As the limited energy of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), energy-efficient data-gathering algorithms are required. This paper proposes a compressive data-gathering algorithm based on double sparse structure dictionary learning (DSSDL). The purpose of this paper is to reduce the energy consumption of WSNs.

Design/methodology/approach

The historical data is used to construct a sparse representation base. In the dictionary-learning stage, the sparse representation matrix is decomposed into the product of double sparse matrices. Then, in the update stage of the dictionary, the sparse representation matrix is orthogonalized and unitized. The finally obtained double sparse structure dictionary is applied to the compressive data gathering in WSNs.

Findings

The dictionary obtained by the proposed algorithm has better sparse representation ability. The experimental results show that, the sparse representation error can be reduced by at least 3.6% compared with other dictionaries. In addition, the better sparse representation ability makes the WSNs achieve less measurement times under the same accuracy of data gathering, which means more energy saving. According to the results of simulation, the proposed algorithm can reduce the energy consumption by at least 2.7% compared with other compressive data-gathering methods under the same data-gathering accuracy.

Originality/value

In this paper, the double sparse structure dictionary is introduced into the compressive data-gathering algorithm in WSNs. The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm has good performance on energy consumption and sparse representation.