bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity in Parkinson’s disease genetics research: current landscape and future directions
Authors: Schumacher-Schuh Artur F. , Bieger Andrei , Okunoye Olaitan , Mok Kin , Lim Shen-Yang , Bardien Soraya , Annuar Azlina Ahmad , Lopes-Santos Bruno , Strelow Matheus Zschornack , Salama Mohamed , Rao Shilpa C , Zewde Yared Zenebe , Dindayal Saiesha , Azar Jihan , Prashanth LK , Rajan Roopa , Noyce Alastair J , Okubadejo Njideka , Rizig Mie , Lesage Suzanne , Mata Ignacio
Published: December 2021

Human genetics research lacks diversity; over 80% of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted on individuals of European ancestry. In addition to limiting insights regarding disease mechanisms, disproportionate representation can create disparities preventing equitable implementation of personalized medicine. This systematic review provides an overview of research involving Parkinson’s disease (PD) genetics in under-represented populations (URP), and sets a baseline to measure the future impact of current efforts in those populations.

We searched PubMed and EMBASE until October 2021 using search strings for “PD”, “genetics”, the main “URP”, and “lower-to-upper-middle-income countries”. Inclusion criteria were original studies, written in English, reporting genetic results on PD patients from non-European populations. Two levels of independent reviewers identified and extracted relevant information.

We observed considerable imbalances in PD genetic studies among URP. Asian participants from China were described in the majority of the articles published (61%), but other populations were less well studied, for example, Blacks were represented in just 4.0% of the publications. Also, although idiopathic PD was more studied than monogenic forms of the disease, most studies analyzed a limited number of genetic variants. We identified just seven studies using a genome-wide approach published up to 2021 including URP.

This review provides insight into the significant lack of population diversity in PD research highlighting the urgent need for better representation. The Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) and similar initiatives aim to impact research in URP, and the early metrics presented here can be used to measure progress in the field of PD genetics in the future.
A novel approach to concentrate human and animal viruses from wastewater using receptors-conjugated magnetic beads
Authors: Oh Chamteut , Kim Kyukyoung , Araud Elbashir , Wang Leyi , Shisler Joanna L. , Nguyen Thanh H.
Published: December 2021

Viruses are present at low concentrations in wastewater, and therefore an effective concentration of virus particles is necessary for accurate wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). We designed a novel approach to concentrate human and animal viruses from wastewater using porcine gastric mucin-conjugated magnetic beads (PGM-MBs). We systematically evaluated the performances of the PGM-MBs method (sensitivity, specificity, and robustness to environmental inhibitors) with six viral species including Tulane virus (a surrogate for human norovirus), rotavirus, adenovirus, porcine coronavirus (transmissible gastroenteritis virus or TGEV), and two human coronaviruses (NL63 and SARS-CoV-2) in influent wastewater and raw sewage samples. We determined the multiplication factor (the ratio of genome concentration of the concentrated over that of the initial solution) for the PGM-MBs method, which ranged from 1.3 to 64.0 depending on the viral species. Because the recovery efficiency became significantly higher when calculated based on virus titers than genome concentration, the PGM-MBs method could be an appropriate tool for assessing the risk due to wastewater contaminated with infectious enteric viruses. PCR inhibitors were not concentrated by PGM-MBs, suggesting this tool will be successful for use with environmental samples. The PGM-MBs method is cost-effective (0.43 USD/sample) and fast turnaround (3 hours from virus concentration to genome quantification), and thus this method can be implemented for high throughput facilities. Based on good performance, intrinsic characteristics of targeting the infectious virus, robustness to wastewater, and adaptability to high throughput systems, we are confident that the PGM-MBs method can be applied for successful WBE and ultimately provides valuable public health information.

Graphical abstract
Transparent and Conformal Microcoil Arrays for Spatially Selective Neuronal Activation
Authors: Raghuram Vineeth , Datye Aditya D. , Fried Shelley I. , Timko Brian P.
Published: December 2021

Micromagnetic stimulation (μMS) using small, implantable microcoils is a promising modality for achieving neuronal activation with high spatial resolution and low toxicity. Microcoils can be designed to achieve localized, spatially asymmetric fields that target neurons of a particular orientation. Insulation of the coil avoids the direct contact between metal and tissue and the use of specialized biopolymers may help to further reduce chronic inflammation and glial scarring. Studies to date have largely focused on single channel devices; herein, we report the design and development of a microcoil array for localized activation of cortical neurons and retinal ganglion cells. We utilized a computational model that related the activation function to the geometry and arrangement of coils and selected a coil design that maintained a region of activation <50 µm wide. The device was composed of an SU8/Cu/SU8 tri-layer structure, which was flexible, transparent and conformal and featured four individually-addressable microcoil stimulation elements. Interfaced with ex vivo cortex or retina slices from GCaMP6-transfected mice, we observed that individual neurons localized within 40 µm of the element tip could be activated repeatedly and in a dose (power) dependent fashion. Taken together, these results highlight the potential of magnetic stimulation devices for brain-machine interfaces and could open new routes toward bioelectronic therapies including prosthetic vision devices.
Analyses of the Autism-associated Neuroligin-3 R451C Mutation in Human Neurons Reveals a Gain-of-Function Synaptic Mechanism
Authors: Wang Le , Mirabella Vincent R. , Dai Rujia , Su Xiao , Xu Ranjie , Jadali Azadeh , Bernabucci Matteo , Singh Ishnoor , Chen Yu , Tian Jianghua , Jiang Peng , Kwan Kevin Y. , Pak ChangHui , Liu Chunyu , Comoletti Davide , Hart Ronald P. , Chen Chao , Südhof Thomas C. , Pang Zhiping P.
Published: December 2021

Mutations in many synaptic genes are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that synaptic dysfunction is a key driver of ASD pathogenesis. Among these mutations, the R451C-substitution in the NLGN3 gene that encodes the postsynaptic adhesion molecule Neuroligin-3 is noteworthy because it was the first specific mutation linked to ASDs. In mice, the corresponding Nlgn3 R451C-knockin mutation recapitulates social interaction deficits of ASD patients and produces synaptic abnormalities, but the impact of the NLGN3 R451C-mutation on human neurons has not been investigated. Here, we generated human knock-in neurons with the NLGN3 R451C-mutation. Strikingly, analyses of NLGN3 R451C-mutant neurons revealed that the R451C-mutation decreased NLGN3 protein levels but enhanced the strength of excitatory synapses without affecting inhibitory synapses. No significant cell death and endoplasmic reticulum stress were detected. Importantly, the augmentation of excitatory transmission was confirmed in vivo with human neurons transplanted into mouse forebrain.

Using single-cell RNA-seq experiments with co-cultured excitatory and inhibitory NLGN3 R451C-mutant neurons, we identified differentially expressed genes in relatively mature human neurons that corresponded to synaptic gene expression networks. Moreover, gene ontology and enrichment analyses revealed convergent gene networks associated with ASDs and other mental disorders. Our findings suggest that the NLGN3 R451C-mutation induces a gain-of-function enhancement in excitatory synaptic transmission that may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASDs.
Attentive deep learning-based tumor-only somatic mutation classifier achieves high accuracy agnostic of tissue type and capture kit
Authors: McLaughlin R. Tyler , Asthana Maansi , Meo Marc Di , Ceccarelli Michele , Jacob Howard J. , Masica David L.
Published: December 2021

In precision oncology, reliable identification of tumor-specific DNA mutations requires sequencing tumor DNA and non-tumor DNA (so-called “matched normal”) from the same patient. The normal sample allows researchers to distinguish acquired (somatic) and hereditary (germline) variants. The ability to distinguish somatic and germline variants facilitates estimation of tumor mutation burden (TMB), which is a recently FDA-approved pan-cancer marker for highly successful cancer immunotherapies; in tumor-only variant calling (i.e., without a matched normal), the difficulty in discriminating germline and somatic variants results in inflated and unreliable TMB estimates. We apply machine learning to the task of somatic vs germline classification in tumor-only samples using TabNet, a recently developed attentive deep learning model for tabular data that has achieved state of the art performance in multiple classification tasks (Arik and Pfister 2019). We constructed a training set for supervised classification using features derived from tumor-only variant calling and drawing somatic and germline truth-labels from an independent pipeline incorporating the patient-matched normal samples. Our trained model achieved state-of-the-art performance on two hold-out test datasets: a TCGA dataset including sarcoma, breast adenocarcinoma, and endometrial carcinoma samples (F1-score: 88.3), and a metastatic melanoma dataset, (F1-score 79.8). Concordance between matched-normal and tumor-only TMB improves from R2 = 0.006 to 0.705 with the addition of our classifier. And importantly, this approach generalizes across tumor tissue types and capture kits and has a call rate of 100%. The interpretable feature masks of the attentive deep learning model explain the reasons for misclassified variants. We reproduce the recent finding that tumor-only TMB estimates for Black patients are extremely inflated relative to that of White patients due to the racial biases of germline databases. We show that our machine learning approach appreciably reduces this racial bias in tumor-only variant-calling.
Vascular proteome responses precede organ dysfunction in sepsis
Authors: Sorrentino James T. , Golden Gregory J. , Morris Claire , Painter Chelsea , Nizet Victor , Campos Alexandre Rosa , Smith Jeffrey W. , Karlsson Christofer , Malmström Johan , Lewis Nathan E. , Esko Jeffrey D. , Toledo Alejandro Gómez
Published: December 2021

Vascular dysfunction and organ failure are two distinct, albeit highly interconnected clinical outcomes linked to morbidity and mortality in human sepsis. The mechanisms driving vascular and parenchymal damage are dynamic and display significant molecular crosstalk between organs and tissues. Therefore, assessing their individual contribution to disease progression is technically challenging. Here, we hypothesize that dysregulated vascular responses predispose the organism to organ failure. To address this hypothesis, we have evaluated four major organs in a murine model of S. aureus sepsis by combining in vivo labeling of the endothelial proteome, data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry, and an integrative computational pipeline. The data reveal, with unprecedented depth and throughput, that a septic insult evokes organ-specific proteome responses that are highly compartmentalized, synchronously coordinated, and significantly correlated with the progression of the disease. Vascular proteome changes were found to precede bacterial invasion and leukocyte infiltration into the organs, as well as to precede changes in various well-established cellular and biochemical correlates of systemic coagulopathy and tissue dysfunction. Importantly, our data suggests a potential role for the vascular proteome as a determinant of the susceptibility of the organs to undergo failure during sepsis.
Early detection of sublexical and lexical processing in beginning readers: evidence from Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs)
Authors: Wang Fang , Nguyen Quynh Trang H. , Kaneshiro Blair , Hasak Lindsey , Wang Angie M. , Toomarian Elizabeth Y. , Norcia Anthony M. , McCandliss Bruce D.
Published: December 2021

There are multiple levels of processing relevant to reading that vary in their visual, sublexical and lexical orthographic processing demands. Segregating distinct cortical sources for each of these levels has been challenging in EEG studies of early readers. To address this challenge, we applied recent advances in analyzing high-density EEG using Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs) via data-driven Reliable Components Analysis (RCA) in a group of early readers spanning from kindergarten to second grade. Three controlled stimulus contrasts—familiar words versus unfamiliar pseudofonts, familiar words versus orthographically legal pseudowords, and orthographically legal pseudowords versus orthographically illegal nonwords—were used to isolate visual print/letter selectivity, sublexical processing, and lexical processing, respectively. We found robust responses specific to each of these processing levels, even in kindergarteners who have limited knowledge of print. Moreover, comparing amplitudes of these three stimulus contrasts across three reading fluency-based groups and three grade-based groups revealed fluency group and grade group main effects only for lexical contrast (i.e., words versus orthographically legal pseudowords). Furthermore, we found that sublexical orthography-related responses shifted their topographic distribution from the right to left hemisphere from kindergarten to first and second grades. Results suggest that, with more sensitive measures, the sublexical and lexical fine tuning for words—as a bio-marker of reading ability—can be detected at a much earlier stage than previously assumed.

Declarations of interest

None
Multifaceted effects of variable biotic interactions on population stability in complex interaction webs
Authors: Hashimoto Koya , Hayasaka Daisuke , Eguchi Yuji , Seko Yugo , Cai Ji , Suzuki Kenta , Goka Koichi , Kadoya Taku
Published: December 2021

Recent studies have revealed that biotic interactions in ecological communities vary over time, possibly mediating community responses to anthropogenic disturbances. This study investigated the heterogeneity of such variability within a real community and its impact on population stability in the face of pesticide application, particularly focusing on density-dependence of the interaction effect. Using outdoor mesocosms with a freshwater community, we found considerable heterogeneity in density-dependent interaction variability among links in the same community. This variability mediated the stability of recipient populations, with negative density-dependent interaction variability stabilizing whereas positive density-dependence and density-independent interaction variability destabilizing populations. Unexpectedly, the mean interaction strength, which is typically considered crucial for stability, had no significant effect, suggesting that how organisms interact on average is insufficient to predict the ecological impacts of pesticides. Our findings emphasize the multifaceted role of interaction variability in predicting the ecological consequences of anthropogenic disturbances such as pesticide application.
Reassessing referred sensations following peripheral deafferentation and the role of cortical reorganisation
Authors: Amoruso Elena , Terhune Devin B. , Kromm Maria , Kirker Stephen , Muret Dollyane , Makin Tamar R.
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives

Tactile sensations referred to body parts other than those stimulated have been repeatedly described across a wide range of deafferentation and neuropathic pain conditions, including amputation, complex regional pain syndrome, spinal cord injury, and brachial plexus avulsion. Common to all interpretations of referred sensations is the notion that they result from central nervous system (CNS) reorganisation. For example, in amputees, sensations referred to the phantom limb following touches on the face have been classically interpreted as the perceptual correlate of cortical remapping of the face into the neighbouring missing-hand territory in primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Here, using the prominent model of acquired upper-limb amputation, we investigated whether referred sensations reports are associated with cortical remapping or can instead be attributed to demand characteristics (e.g., compliance, expectation, and suggestion), which have been shown to greatly influence self-reports of bodily sensations and were uncontrolled in previous assessments.

Methods

Unilateral upper-limb amputees (N=18), congenital one-handers (N=19), and two-handers (N=20) were repeatedly stimulated with PC-controlled vibrations on ten body-parts and asked to report on each trial the occurrence of any concurrent sensations on their hand(s). To further manipulate expectations, we gave participants the suggestion that some of these vibrations had a higher probability to evoke referred sensations. To evaluate remapping, we analysed fMRI data in S1 from two tasks involving movement of facial and whole-body parts, using univariate and multivariate approaches.

Results

The frequency and distribution of reported referred sensations were similar across groups, with higher frequencies in the high expectancy condition. In amputees, referred sensations were evoked by stimulation of multiple body-parts and reported in both the intact and phantom hand. The group profiles for referred sensations reports were not consistent with the observed patterns of S1 remapping.

Discussion

These findings weaken the interpretation of referred sensations as a perceptual consequence of post-deafferentation CNS reorganisation and reveal the need to account for demand characteristics when evaluating self-reports of anomalous perceptual phenomena for both research and clinical assessments purposes.
Long Noncoding RNA RROL Provides Chromatin Scaffold for MYC-WDR82 Interaction to Impact Lipid Metabolism and Tumor Cell Growth in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Morelli Eugenio , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Samur Mehmet K. , Ribeiro Caroline F. , Wert-Lamas Leon , Henninger Jon E. , Gullà Annamaria , Aktas-Samur Anil , Todoerti Katia , Talluri Srikanth , Park Woojun D. , Federico Cinzia , Scionti Francesca , Amodio Nicola , Bianchi Giada , Johnstone Megan , Liu Na , Gramegna Doriana , Russo Nicola A. , Lin Charles , Tai Yu-Tzu , Neri Antonino , Chauhan Dharminder , Hideshima Teru , Shammas Masood A. , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Gryaznov Sergei , Young Richard A. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Novina Carl D. , Loda Massimo , Munshi Nikhil C.
Published: December 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) can drive the tumorigenesis and be susceptible to therapeutic intervention. To define the landscape of therapeutically actionable lncRNA dependencies in multiple myeloma (MM), we coupled our extensive lncRNA transcriptomic profile with lncRNA targeted CRISPR interference viability screen and identified RNA Regulator of Lipogenesis (RROL) as a leading lncRNA dependency in MM. RROL shares its origin with the microRNA locus MIR17HG, however supports the proliferation and survival of MM cells in a microRNA- and DROSHA- independent manner. We found that RROL provides a chromatin scaffold for the functional interaction between c-MYC and WDR82 to promote the regulation of the lipogenic pathways via the transcriptional control of the rate-limiting enzyme ACC1 in MM cells. Inhibition of RROL with clinically applicable antisense molecules disrupts its transcriptional and functional activities causing potent anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo in two pre-clinical animal models. This study establishes lncRNA RROL as a therapeutically actionable dependency with a unique mechanism of action in support of myeloma cell growth.
Identification of New In Vivo TonB-FepA Rendezvous Sites
Authors: Postle Kathleen , Kho Kelvin , Gresock Michael , Ghosh Joydeep , Larsen Ray
Published: December 2021

The TonB system of Gram-negative bacteria uses the protonmotive force of the cytoplasmic membrane to energize active transport of large or scarce nutrients across the outer membrane by means of customized beta-barrels known as TonB-dependent transporters (TBDTs). The lumen of each TBDT is occluded by an amino-terminal domain, called the cork, which must be displaced for transport of nutrients or translocation of the large protein toxins that parasitize the system. A complex of cytoplasmic membrane proteins consisting of TonB, ExbB and ExbD harnesses the protonmotive force that TonB transmits to the TBDT. The specifics of this energy transformation are a source of continuing interest. The amino terminal domain of a TBDT contains a region called the TonB box, that is essential for the reception of energy from TonB. This domain is the only identified site of in vivo interaction between the TBDT and TonB, occurring through a non-essential region centered on TonB residue Q160. Because TonB binds to TBDTs whether or not it is active or even intact, the mechanism and extent of cork movement in vivo has been challenging to discover. In this study, we used in vivo disulfide crosslinking between eight engineered Cys residues in Escherichia coli TonB and 42 Cys substitutions in the TBDT FepA, including the TonB box, to identify novel sites of interaction in vivo. The TonB Cys substitutions in the core of an essential carboxy terminal amphipathic helix (residues 199-216) were compared to TonB Q160C interactions. Functionality of the in vivo interactions was established when the presence of the inactive TonB H20A mutation inhibited them. A previously unknown functional interaction between the hydrophilic face of the amphipathic helix and the FepA TonB box was identified. Interaction of Q160C with the FepA TonB box appeared to be less functionally important. The two different parts of TonB also differed in their interactions with the FepA cork and barrel turns. While the TonB amphipathic helix Cys residues interacted only with Cys residues on the periplasmic face of the FepA cork, TonB Q160C interacted with buried Cys substitutions within the FepA cork, the first such interactions seen with any TBDT. Both sets of interactions required active TonB. Taken together, these data suggest a model where the amphipathic helix binds to the TonB box, causing the mechanically weak domain of the FepA cork to dip sufficiently into the periplasmic space for interaction with the TonB Q160 region, which is an interaction that does not occur if the TonB box is deleted. The TonB amphipathic helix also interacted with periplasmic turns between FepA β-strands in vivo supporting a surveillance mechanism where TonB searched for TBDTs on the periplasmic face of the outer membrane.
Effects of Voigt diffraction peak profiles on the pair distribution function
Authors: Beyer Jonas , Roth Nikolaj , Brummerstedt Iversen Bo
Published: December 2021

Powder diffraction and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis are well established techniques for investigation of atomic configurations in crystalline materials, and the two are related by a Fourier transformation. In diffraction experiments, structural information, such as crystallite size and microstrain, is contained within the peak profile function of the diffraction peaks. However, the effects of the PXRD (powder X-ray diffraction) peak profile function on the PDF are not fully understood. Here, all the effects from a Voigt diffraction peak profile are solved analytically, and verified experimentally through a high-quality X-ray total scattering measurement on Ni powder. The Lorentzian contribution to the microstrain broadening is found to result in Voigt-shaped PDF peaks. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that an improper description of the Voigt shape during model refinement leads to overestimation of the atomic displacement parameter.
Homestead reduction, economic agglomeration and rural economic development: evidence from Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Li Guoxiang , Wang Keqiang
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The contradiction of construction land in economically developed regions is becoming more prominent, and the scale of construction land in some large cities is close to the ceiling. Therefore, China implemented the policy of construction land reduction in 2014. The main objective is to optimize the stock of homesteads and then help to realize rural revitalization by transferring land indexes across regions. Shanghai took the lead in implementing the reduction policy in 2014, for which reduction acceptance data are available. Thus, this paper evaluates the impact of homestead reduction on rural economic development based on data from towns in Shanghai.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the difference-in-difference (DID) model to analyze the policy effects of homestead reduction on rural residents' income and industrial integration development. Using economic agglomeration (EA) as a mediating variable, the authors explore how homestead reduction (HR) promotes EA to drive rural economic development and analyze the impact of geographic location and government investment.

Findings

HR significantly promotes rural economic development and shows a significant cumulative effect. In the long run, HR can improve rural residents' income and promote industrial integration by promoting EA. The positive effect of HR and EA in suburban regions on industrial integration development is gradually increasing. However, the incentive effect on rural residents' income is weakening. The positive mediating effect of EA is significantly higher in regions with low government investment than in regions with high government investment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to testing the impact of HR policy on rural economic development and can provide a reference for other regions aiming to implement reduction policy.
Twenty-five years of career growth literature: a review and research agenda
Authors: Modem Roopa , Lakshminarayanan Sethumadhavan , Pillai Rajasekharan , Prabhu Nandan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The dynamic career scenario and the significant change from traditionally placing careers in employers’ hands to self-managing one’s careers have sparked profound scholarly interest in career growth. This paper aims to analyze quadricentennial literature on career growth published during the years 1995 through 2020. In this paper, through bibliometric and integrative reviews, the authors address the two critical questions, “what do we know?” and “where should we go?” While the bibliometric review examines the evolution and trends, the integrative review examines the dynamics of conceptual frameworks, primary research foci, research context and quality in research designs and methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to identify the papers for this review. The data set comprised 102 papers and 60 papers for bibliometric and integrative review, respectively. “CiteSpace” is used for the bibliometric analysis and the template designed by the authors is used for the integrative review.

Findings

The results present conceptual clarification for career growth and its related constructs. The bibliometric analysis findings highlight the extensive research on career growth followed by organizational career growth and career growth opportunities. The findings also show that seven of the top 10 productive authors are from China. This study also identifies theoretical, conceptual and methodological opportunities and provides recommendations intended to further research engagements across the different aspects of career growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to introduce bibliometric analysis into career growth literature. This research adopts an integrative review approach and offers insights into career growth literature.
A structured literature review on Big Data for customer relationship management (CRM): toward a future agenda in international marketing
Authors: Del Vecchio Pasquale , Mele Gioconda , Siachou Evangelia , Schito Gloria
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to advance the international marketing debate by presenting the results of a structured literature review (SLR) focusing on Big Data implementation in customer relationship management (CRM) strategizing. It outlines past and present literature and frames a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyzes papers published in journals from 2013 to 2020, deriving significant insights about Big Data applications in CRM. A sample of 48 articles indexed at Scopus was preliminarily submitted for bibliometric analysis. Finally, 46 papers were analyzed with content and a bibliometric analysis to identify areas of thematic specializations.

Findings

The paper presents a conceptual multilevel framework demonstrating areas of specialization emerging from the literature. The framework is built around four coordinated sequences of actions relevant to “why,” “what,” “who” and “how” Big Data is implemented in CRM strategies, thus supporting the conception and implementation of an internationalization marketing strategy.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for the development of the future research agenda on international marketing arise from the comprehension of Big Data in CRM strategy.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive SLR of the articles dealing with models and processes of Big Data for CRM from an international marketing perspective. Despite these issues' relevance and the increasing literature focused on them, research in this area is still fragmented and underexplored, requiring more systematic and holistic studies.
COVID-19 and food security as catalyst of conflict among rural households in Nigeria: a study of Ilaje community, Ondo state
Authors: Adebayo Tosin Seun , Oluwamayowa Logo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The compulsory lockdown issued by the Nigeria Government to curb the spread of the virus has undoubtedly negatively affected the livelihoods of households. As a result, many have lost their sources of income and have no other means for survival. It is important to note that it has the potential of triggering violent conflicts and civil unrest as a popular African adage goes as thus: “A hungry man is an angry man”. Unfortunately, little attention has been given, neither has extant literature adequately covered the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as it directly affects households in a rural community in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proceeded from on both a qualitative and quantitative method and adopted a mixed-method and case study research design. Data for this study was collected through primary and secondary data. Primary data for this study was collected through a questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGD). The questionnaire used for this study was a validated instrument designed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to measure food security amongst households. The USDA household’s instrument was used and then modified to access the food security status of households during the lockdown.

Findings

Findings from this study revealed that households, in general, were categorised as having “very low food security” during the lockdown as they testified to all the food insecure conditions. In general, the food intake of household members reported irregular eating patterns as the household lacked the money to purchase food. This study further indicated that a high number of respondents see violence as a means of attaining food. Extreme volatility in their inability to access food as a result of food shortages and the inability to benefit from government palliatives has been found to trigger incidents of conflict and malnutrition on households.

Research limitations/implications

This method was sampling method was adopted because of the compulsory and constitutional lockdown imposed by the government to curb the spread of the novel COVID-19 which limited the movement of the researcher to other households in the community which proved to be limited during the time this research was carried limiting the scope of the sample size.

Originality/value

This research adopted mixed-method research and was written by the researchers who did the study. This paper was conducted during the mandatory lockdown issued by the Federal Government in Nigeria with to understand the impact of the mandatory lockdown on rural households using Ilaje local of Ondo state as a case study while establishing a link between food security and conflict.
Efficacy of a combination of paclitaxel and radiation therapy against cutaneous angiosarcoma: A single‐institution retrospective study of 21 cases
Authors: Seo Takashi , Kitamura Shinya , Yanagi Teruki , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: December 2021

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare malignant tumor with a poor prognosis for which neither basic research on molecular pathomechanisms nor clinical prospective studies have progressed. A retrospective study of 28 CAS cases reported that chemoradiotherapy with taxanes was superior to conventional surgery. Since that time, chemoradiotherapy with paclitaxel (PTX + RT) has become a standard treatment. In this paper, we retrospectively investigate 21 cases of CAS that had been treated in the Department of Dermatology at Hokkaido University Hospital. Patients initially treated with PTX + RT followed by maintenance taxane chemotherapy showed better prognosis in overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (median OS, 28 months; median PFS, 12 months) compared to others (median OS, 10 months; median PFS, 5 months) (OS and PFS: p < 0.05, log–rank test). Our results are consistent with those of a previous study that suggested that PTX + RT followed by maintenance taxane chemotherapy is a better therapeutic option than other interventions, including surgery.
Transient ascending ST‐segment depression and widening of the S wave in 3‐channel Holter monitoring—A sign of dromotropic disturbance in the right ventricular outflow tract in the Brugada syndrome: A report of five cases
Authors: de Andrade Antonio Thomaz , Barbosa‐Barros Raimundo , Nikus Kjell , Raimundo Rodrigo D. , de Abreu Luiz C. , Sacilotto Luciana , Darriuex Francisco C. C. , Yanowitz Frank G. , Brugada Pedro , Pérez‐Riera Andrés Ricardo
Published: December 2021

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is somewhat a challenging diagnosis, due to its dynamic pattern. One of the aspects of this disease is a significant conduction disorder located in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), which can be explained as a consequence of low expression of Connexin‐43. This decreased conduction speed is responsible for the typical electrocardiographic pattern. Opposite leads located preferably in inferior leads of the electrocardiogram may show a deep and widened S wave associated with ascending ST segment depression. Holter monitoring electrocardiographic (ECG) aspects is still a new frontier of knowledge in BrS, especially in intermittent clinical presentations.

Methods

We describe, as an exploratory analysis, five case series of intermittent type 1 BrS to demonstrate the appearance of ascending ST segment depression and widening of the S wave, during 3‐channel 24h‐Holter monitoring (C1, C2 and C3) with bipolar leads.

Results

In the five cases described, the ST segment depression was observed mainly in C2, but in some cases also in C1 and C3. Only case 1 presented concomitant intermittent elevation of the ST segment in C1. All cases were intermittent.

Conclusion

The recognition of an ECG pattern with ascending ST‐segment depression and widening of the S wave in 3‐channel Holter described in this case series should raise a suspicion of the BrS and suggests the counterpart of a dromotropic disturbance registered in the RVOT and/or reciprocal changes.
Comparative study on electrocardiograms and serological examinations of acute pulmonary embolism and acute non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: He Zhihong , Bi Wenmiao , Lang Zhe , Zhen Yanjie , Jin Ying , Liu Hongjuan , Li Dongfu , Hu Xiaoning , Li Huanling
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of electrocardiograms (ECGs) and serological examinations in the differential diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and acute non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in order to reduce the rate of clinical misdiagnosis.

Methods

The clinical data of 37 patients with APE and 103 patients with NSTEMI admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in the clinical manifestations, ECGs, myocardial zymograms, D‐dimers, and troponin (cTn) of the two groups were compared.

Results

In the patients with APE, the main symptom—found in 25 cases (67.56%)—was dyspnea, while in the patients with NSTEMI, the main symptom—found in 52 cases (50.49%)—was chest tightness. The incidences of sinus tachycardia and SIQIIITIIIin the group of patients with APE were higher than in the group of patients with NSTEMI, and the difference was statistically significant (p < .05). There was no statistical significance in the difference of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the two groups (p > .05), although there was a statistically significant difference of creatine kinase (CK) and the creatine kinase isoenzyme‐MB (CK‐MB) in the two groups (p < .05). The levels of D‐dimers and cTn were increased in both groups, but the level of D‐dimers in the group of patients with APE was higher than that in the group of patients with NSTEMI.

Conclusion

With the occurrence of clinical manifestations like dyspnea, chest tightness, chest pain, and palpitation of unknown causes, the possibility of APE and NSTEMI should be considered.
Petrographical and geochemical criteria for a chronology of Roman mortars between the first century bce and the second century ce: The Curia of Pompey the Great
Authors: Marra Fabrizio , D'Ambrosio Ersilia , Gaeta Mario , Monterroso‐Checa Antonio
Published: December 2021

Thirteen samples of mortar collected from different masonry structures of the Curia of Pompey the Great and from three mixtilinear basins located within the Sacred Area of Largo Argentina of Rome were studied. Despite the use of the same volcanic deposit, known as ‘Pozzolane Rosse’, to produce the fine aggregate in all these mortars, it was possible to highlight some distinctive features through the combination of geochemical analyses on selected trace elements and petrographic analysis under an optical microscope, allowing the three groups of mortars to be distinguished. These types of mortars reflect a perfect coincidence between the diversity of the volcanic materials used and the different construction phases identified and documented by the analysis of the stratigraphic units: a first construction phase of Pompeian age, a second phase of Augustan age and a final phase in the medieval period. Furthermore, it was possible to ascertain two phases of construction of the basins, the second coeval with the interventions of the Augustan period. Finally, this study increases knowledge about the methods of exploitation and selection of volcanic materials used to produce mortars in the Roman period, identifying additional elements useful to establish their origin and chronology of use.
Flow cytometric minimal residual disease assessment in B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients treated with CD19‐targeted therapies — a EuroFlow study
Authors: Verbeek Martijn W. C. , Buracchi Chiara , Laqua Anna , Nierkens Stefan , Sedek Lukasz , Flores‐Montero Juan , Hofmans Mattias , Sobral de Costa Elaine , Nováková Michaela , Mejstrikova Ester , Barrena Susana , Kohlscheen Saskia , Szczepanowski Monika , Kulis Jan , Oliveira Elen , Jugooa Romana , de Jong Anja X. , Szczepanski Tomasz , Philippé Jan , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , Orfao Alberto , Brüggemann Monika , Gaipa Giuseppe , van der Velden Vincent H. J.
Published: December 2021

The standardized EuroFlow protocol, including CD19 as primary B‐cell marker, enables highly sensitive and reliable minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP‐ALL) patients treated with chemotherapy. We developed and validated an alternative gating strategy allowing reliable MRD analysis in BCP‐ALL patients treated with CD19‐targeting therapies. Concordant data were obtained in 92% of targeted therapy patients who remained CD19‐positive, whereas this was 81% in patients that became (partially) CD19‐negative. Nevertheless, in both groups median MRD values showed excellent correlation with the original MRD data, indicating that, despite higher interlaboratory variation, the overall MRD analysis was correct.
Travar el saber: Travesti‐Centred Knowledge‐Making and Education
Authors: Martínez Juliana , Vidal‐Ortiz Salvador
Published: December 2021

This article focuses on what we call, following Argentinean thinker and activist Lohana Berkins, travar el saber. Travar el saber is travesti theorising; rooted in Berkins's conceptualisation of travesti as a political identity, it works to understand, question, and transform the tenets and practices that uphold and reproduce exclusionary dynamics. Our analysis draws on efforts taking place at the Bachillerato Popular Travesti y Trans Mocha Celis, the first high school created to meet the needs of travesti and trans students in Buenos Aires. The school seeks to create a travesti‐centred transformative educational framework and praxis.
Nivolumab‐induced localized genital bullous pemphigoid in a 60‐year‐old male
Authors: Alvarado Savannah M. , Weston Gillian , Murphy Michael J. , Stewart Campbell L.
Published: December 2021

A 60‐year‐old man with metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented with a 6‐month history of a pruritic, exquisitely painful genital eruption appearing 3 months after initiation of nivolumab. Examination demonstrated a poorly defined, lichenified scrotal plaque studded with erosions, yellow crust, and tense vesicles. There was no other lesion on the body or mucosae. Histopathology revealed a subepidermal blister with a mixed lymphocytic, neutrophilic, and eosinophilic infiltrate. Direct immunofluorescence of perilesional skin demonstrated subclinical blister and linear/fibrillary patchy IgG and IgA along the dermoepidermal junction. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) serologies revealed normal IgG BP230 antibodies and minimally elevated IgG BP180 antibodies. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed positive IgG at the basement membrane (“epidermal pattern”) in human split skin and monkey esophagus substrates; no IgA antibodies were detected. The patient was diagnosed with nivolumab‐induced localized genital BP (LGBP). BP is a reported adverse effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors including nivolumab; however, cases are typically generalized. LGBP is a rare BP variant typically presenting in children and females; there are few reports of LGBP in adult males. We report a novel case of nivolumab‐induced LGBP with unique histopathologic and clinical challenges. LGBP should be considered in patients on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with bullous genital eruptions.
The case for a diversion option to trauma‐informed community‐based primary mental health services for young people following early encounters with police
Authors: Baker David , Rice Simon , Purcell Rosemary
Published: December 2021

Aim

There is a convergence between the peak age of onset of mental illness, offending behaviour and associated risk of crime victimization. This study compared self‐reported childhood maltreatment and mental health outcomes among a cohort of help‐seeking young people who disclosed either a prior criminal charge, crime victimization, or both, to those who did not report any such experiences. The outcomes may inform the development of a diversion option for young people at a first or early encounter with police.

Methods

The Transitions Study (N = 802; mean age = 18.3 years; 66% female) baseline and 12‐month follow‐up data were analysed in relation to childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and changes in mental health (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale) among young people attending headspace centres in Australia. Outcomes were compared between those young people reporting a prior criminal charge and/or crime victimization and those who did not.

Results

Young people who reported a prior criminal charge or crime victimization reported higher frequency and severity of childhood maltreatment, than those who did not. Both groups reported a reduction in psychological distress following youth mental health service access at 12‐month follow‐up, however functional improvement was only evident for young people who did not report a prior criminal charge or crime victimization.

Conclusions

Higher rates of reported childhood maltreatment and reduced psychological distress following service access supports trialling a diversion option to a trauma‐informed community‐based primary mental health service for young people following an early encounter with police.
Transglutaminase 2 mediates UVB‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐1 expression by inhibiting nuclear p65 degradation in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Lee Seok‐Jin , Lee Ki Baek , Hong Ah‐Young , Son Young Hoon , Lee Dong Hun , Jeong Eui Man , Kim In‐Gyu
Published: December 2021

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in tissue remodelling by cleaving extracellular matrix (ECM) components. In the skin, UV irradiation increases expression of MMPs that causes dysregulation of ECM homeostasis in dermis, leading to acceleration of skin aging. However, the mediator(s) that links UV irradiation to the upregulation of MMPs have not been fully defined. Previously, we showed that UVB irradiation activated transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in keratinocytes, eliciting an inflammatory response by activating NF‐κB signalling. In this study, we reported the role of TG2 in mediating the UVB‐induced expression of MMP‐1. In human dermal fibroblasts, UVB irradiation enhanced the expression and activity of TG2, which in turn promotes the expression of MMP‐1. Analyses of MMP‐1 promoter showed that activation of the NF‐κB signalling pathway, rather than AP‐1, was responsible for the TG2‐mediated upregulation of MMP‐1. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed that TG2 increased the activity of NF‐κB by inhibiting degradation of p65 in the nucleus. Furthermore, ex vivo skin from TG2‐knockout mice exhibited significantly reduced levels of MMP‐1 compared to that from wild‐type mice. These results indicate that TG2 functions as a mediator for the UVB‐induced expression of MMP‐1 in dermal fibroblasts, providing a new target for preventing skin photodamage.