bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of fatigue with physical activity and behavioural change support in vasculitis: a feasibility study
Authors: Harper Lorraine , Hewitt Catherine A , Litchfield Ian , Morgan Matthew D , Chanouzas Dimitrios , Caulfield Hollie K , Coughlan Linda , Dean Caroline , Fletcher Kate , Cramp Fiona , Greenfield Sheila , Ives Natalie J , Jowett Sue , Kodabuckus Shalela , Tearne Sarah , Sehmi Sukhwant , Edwardson Charlotte , Dawkins Nathan P , Daley Amanda J 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Objective
Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) experience high levels of fatigue, despite disease remission. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a definitive randomized controlled trial of a behavioural-based physical activity intervention to support fatigue self-management in AAV patients.

Methods
AAV patients in disease remission with fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 general fatigue domain ≥14) were randomly allocated to intervention or standard care in this single-centre open-label randomized controlled feasibility study. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and comprised eight face-to-face physical activity sessions with a facilitator and 12 weekly telephone calls. Participants were encouraged to monitor their physical activity using a tracker device (Fitbit). Standard care involved sign-posting to fatigue websites. The primary outcome was feasibility of a phase III trial assessed against three stop/go traffic light criteria, (recruitment, intervention adherence and study withdrawal). A qualitative study assessed participant views about the intervention.

Results
A total of 248 patients were screened and 134 were eligible to participate (54%). Stop/go criteria were amber for recruitment; 43/134 (32%, 95% CI: 24, 40) eligible participants randomized, amber for adherence; 73% of participants attended all eight physical activity sessions, but only 11/22 (50%, 95% CI: 29, 71%) completed the intervention as per the intended schedule, and green for study withdrawal; 2/43 participants withdrew before 24 weeks (5%, 95% CI: 0, 11). Qualitative results suggested the intervention was acceptable.

Conclusion
This study suggests a behavioural-based physical activity intervention targeting fatigue self-management was acceptable to patients with AAV, although recruitment and protocol adherence will need modification prior to a definitive trial.

Clinical Trial Registration Number
ISRCTN11929227.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA reverse-transcribed and integrated into the human genome
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Richards Alexsia , Khalil Andrew , Wogram Emile , Ma Haiting , Young Richard A. , Jaenisch Rudolf 
Published: December 2020

SummaryProlonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding and recurrence of PCR-positive tests have been widely reported in patients after recovery, yet these patients most commonly are non-infectious1–14. Here we investigated the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 RNAs can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the human genome and that transcription of the integrated sequences might account for PCR-positive tests. In support of this hypothesis, we found chimeric transcripts consisting of viral fused to cellular sequences in published data sets of SARS-CoV-2 infected cultured cells and primary cells of patients, consistent with the transcription of viral sequences integrated into the genome. To experimentally corroborate the possibility of viral retro-integration, we describe evidence that SARS-CoV-2 RNAs can be reverse transcribed in human cells by reverse transcriptase (RT) from LINE-1 elements or by HIV-1 RT, and that these DNA sequences can be integrated into the cell genome and subsequently be transcribed. Human endogenous LINE-1 expression was induced upon SARS-CoV-2 infection or by cytokine exposure in cultured cells, suggesting a molecular mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 retro-integration in patients. This novel feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection may explain why patients can continue to produce viral RNA after recovery and suggests a new aspect of RNA virus replication.
Generation of a SARS-CoV-2 Replicon as a Model System to Dissect Virus Replication and Antiviral Inhibition
Authors: He Xi , Quan Shuo , Xu Min , Rodriguez Silveria , Goh Shih Lin , Wei Jiajie , Fridman Arthur , Koeplinger Kenneth A. , Carroll Steve S. , Grobler Jay A. , Espeseth Amy S. , Olsen David B. , Hazuda Daria J. , Wang Dai 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTSARS-CoV-2 research and antiviral discovery are hampered by the lack of a cell-based virus replication system that can be readily adopted without biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) restrictions. Here, the construction of a non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 reporter replicon and its application in deciphering viral replication mechanisms and evaluating SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors are presented. The replicon genome is replication competent but does not produce progeny virions. Its replication can be inhibited by RdRp mutations or by known SARS-CoV-2 antiviral compounds. Using this system, a high-throughput antiviral assay has also been developed. Significant differences in potencies of several SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in different cell lines were observed, which highlights the challenges of discovering antivirals capable of inhibiting viral replicationin vivoand the importance of testing compounds in multiple cell culture models. The generation of a SARS-CoV-2 replicon provides a powerful platform to expand the global research effort to combat COVID-19.
The use of internal control systems and codes of conduct as anti-corruption practices: evidence from Vietnamese firms
Authors: Le Ngoc T.B. , Vu Lien T.P. , Nguyen Thang V. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeDrawing from fraud triangle theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the use of internal control systems and codes of conduct, as a specific element of internal control, helps firms to reduce law violations and bribery payments to public officials.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on survey data of Vietnamese firms, conducted between September and December 2018. The authors run logistic and ordinary least squares regressions to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe study showed that the use of internal control systems has a negative and significant relationship with law violation but not with bribes paid to public officials. By contrast, the use of codes of conduct appears to reduce bribe payments but not law violations.Research limitations/implicationsCross-sectional data do not allow us to confirm causal relationships. The self-reported measures of the use of codes of conduct and internal control systems may suffer from social desirability biases and should be further validated with different samples of firms. Finally, the relatively modest number of firms that participated in the survey raises a concern of sample representativeness.Practical implicationsFor businesses, the application of codes of conduct and internal control systems enhances the reliability and certainty of the firm's operations as well as its integrity, contributing to the firm's long-term development. For policymakers, encouraging businesses to use internal control systems and codes of conduct would contribute meaningfully to the anti-corruption effort.Originality/valueBusinesses in emerging economies face a dilemma of how to participate in an anti-corruption agenda while staying profitable. This study shows that the use of internal control systems and codes of conduct would serve both purposes, contributing to businesses' sustainable development.
Clinical impact of musculoskeletal ultrasound on rheumatoid arthritis in routine care
Authors: Molina Collada Juan , Castrejón Isabel , Pérez María , Nieto‐González Juan Carlos , González Teresa , Rivera Javier , González Carlos , Álvaro‐Gracia José María 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to investigate factors affecting treatment strategy by the referring rheumatologist.MethodsProspective study of RA patients evaluated at a MSUS clinic over a 6‐month period. Data extraction included demographics, current treatment and MSUS findings. Pre‐ and post‐MSUS follow‐up of 3 months data were analyzed. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the decision of the referring rheumatologist to change the treatment after the MSUS examination. Comparisons between groups were performed in a univariate analysis. We used logistic regression models to investigate factors associated with changes in clinical management.ResultsA total of 64 RA patients were included. Mean age was 61.9 years and 83.6% were female. Main referral indication was assessment of disease activity (89%). Overall, MSUS led to subsequent therapeutic actions by the referring rheumatologist in 41 (64.1%) patients, and to a change in the clinical impression of the complaint that generated the referral in 7 (11.5%) patients. The detection of power Doppler (PD), the 28 swollen joint count and the presence of radiographic erosions were significantly associated with a subsequent clinical action. In the multivariate analysis only PD remained significant (odds ratio = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.05‐10.26).ConclusionDisease activity evaluation is the most common indication for MSUS examination, with the presence of PD the factor most frequently associated with changes in therapeutic management. This study highlights the impact of MSUS, especially the use of PD, to support treatment decisions in RA routine care.
The impact of internal and external factors on the relationship between information opacity and open‐market repurchases
Authors: Wang Chih‐Wei , Peng Jing‐Yu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the linkage between information opacity and open‐market share repurchases in emerging markets. We measure information opacity by accruals quality and find that firms with higher levels of information opacity experience more positive market reactions following repurchase announcements, which remain after controlling for some firm characteristics. We document that information opacity is positively related to announcement returns only in firms with strong corporate governance, controlled by a single family, or with a low level of foreign ownership. Our results reveal that the positive relationship between information opacity and announcement returns still exists even during the global financial crisis.
Foot disease and physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Iseli Rebecca K. , Lee Elton K , Lewis Ellen , Duncan Gregory , Maier Andrea B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo systematically assess the literature examining the association between foot disease (foot ulceration, infection, critical ischaemia and/or Charcot neuroarthropathy) and physical function in older adults.MethodsLiterature search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL was performed. Studies were included if foot disease and physical function were assessed in participants of mean or median age ≥ 65 years.ResultsOf 2,574 abstracts screened, 19 studies (13 longitudinal, 6 cross‐sectional) reporting on 5634 participants, 43% female, were included. Diabetes‐related foot disease and critical ischaemia were most studied (n = 5017, 40% female). In 8 studies with control groups, foot disease was associated with poorer physical function. Meta‐analysis of 5 studies (n = 1503, 45% female) found an association between foot disease and poorer physical function (SMD (95% CI): 1.00 (0.40, 1.62), P < 0.001).ConclusionFoot disease is associated with poorer physical function in older adults. Future research should include broader study populations and intervention strategies.
Empathy and schizotypy following acquired brain damage
Authors: Kgolo Tumelo , Grainger Sarah A. , Henry Julie D. 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesAcquired brain damage is associated with a reduced capacity for empathy, and emerging evidence indicates that there may also be elevated levels of schizotypy. However, although a relationship between schizotypy and empathy has been identified in other populations, no study to date has tested whether this relationship is also evident following acquired brain damage, and if so, whether it is specific to certain types of brain damage, or specific types of empathy.MethodsPeople with acquired brain damage restricted to either frontal (N = 18) or non‐frontal (N = 24) neural structures and demographically matched controls (N = 48) completed an assessment of schizotypy and a measure of empathy that differentiated between cognitive, emotional, and social skills empathy.ResultsRelative to the control group, people with frontal and non‐frontal brain injuries reported elevated schizotypy, with the frontal group also reporting lower social skills empathy. Only in the frontal group was there support for an association between schizotypy and empathy, and this was specific to the social skills component of empathy.ConclusionsSchizotypy levels are elevated following brain damage, and frontal brain injury is linked to greater difficulties with the social skills component of empathy. Schizotypy appears to be an important consideration when understanding the link between empathy and frontal brain damage, with higher schizotypy levels associated with reduced social skills empathy in this population. Future research is now needed to establish whether problems with more implicit aspects of social understanding are relevant to understanding the relationship between schizotypy and poor social behavioural outcomes identified in other clinical groups that present with frontal brain damage.Practitioner points

People with an acquired brain injury experience deficits in empathic processing as well as elevated levels of schizotypal traits.

Schizotypy levels and social skills empathy were inversely related in people who had experienced a frontal acquired brain injury, suggesting that schizotypy might be important for understanding social skill difficulties in this particular population.

These findings highlight the potential benefit of including social cognitive assessments and schizotypy measures in standard neuropsychological assessment batteries.
Elephants in the village: Causes and consequences of property damage in Asia and Africa
Authors: Gross Eva M. , Lahkar Bibhuti P. , Subedi Naresh , Nyirenda Vincent R. , Klebelsberg Eva , Jakoby Oliver 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn recent years, reports of elephants causing damage in rural villages by destroying houses and foraging on stored food have been increasing, but little is known about the determinants and magnitude of this damage. In this study, we have examined the extent of property damage by elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus), in one African and two Asian study areas over a six‐year period. A total of 1,172 damaged constructions were observed on site, involving detailed damage assessment by trained enumerators and standardized interviews with witnesses. Depending on the study area, between 67.1 and 86.4% of damage events were attributed to single, individual elephants or pairs of males. The majority of properties were damaged in search for food (62.5–76.7% respectively). Property damage caused higher mean losses than crop damage on farmland in all study areas. Results suggest that property damage by elephants has been largely underestimated and needs to form a focus in future human–elephant conflict research. We suggest a need to reduce the attractiveness of villages by storing food in locked and safe places, away from sleeping areas and to foster the development of elephant safe stores, appropriate to the particular cultural background of the target area.
Cutaneous intralymphatic anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐negative anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma arising in a patient with multiple rounds of breast implants
Authors: Wang Huan‐You , Thorson John A. , Hinds Brian R. , Swalchick William , Parker Barbara A. , Chong Alice , Wallace Anne M. , Goodman Aaron M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPrimary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma and breast implant‐associated ALCL (BIA‐ALCL) are rare subtypes of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐negative ALCLs originating from skin and breast implants, respectively. Herein, we report a unique case of cutaneous ALK‐negative ALCL occurring in the skin of left medial breast from a patient with multiple rounds of bilateral breast implants and a history of breast carcinoma. The lymphoma cells are entirely confined to the lymphatic channels in the dermis, and the patient has no other areas of skin abnormality, no lymphadenopathy, peri‐implant fluid accumulation, or masses from the bilateral capsules of implants. The differential diagnosis and its relationship with breast implants are further explored.
Do chewing cues from drywood termites mediate recruiting for wood colonization?
Authors: Cosme Lírio , Turchen Leonardo M. , Guedes Raul N. C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDrywood termites,Cryptotermes brevis(Walker) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae), are eusocial insects living and foraging in groups inside pieces of wood, in which they perform a suite of behavioral traits ranging from individual to coordinated group activities. Vibroacoustic cues play important roles in behavioral mediation during defense and foraging activities. However, termite societies also exhibit other relevant behaviors, including substrate selection for colony establishment, which has received little attention. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that vibrational cues produced by termites inside pieces of drywood influence wood recruiting of conspecifics using dichotomous choice tests. In addition, we assessed whether the choice affects colony success (i.e., termite survival and wood consumption). Two behavioral activities were recognized among drywood termites colonizing wood galleries – walking and chewing. However, only the chewing cues overcome background noise, allowing acoustic signal characterization and playback tests; thus, they were the focus of our study. Overall, drywood termite groups exhibit random choice among wood‐testing unities, indicating that the chewing cues from the natural and/or playback signals are not used as a social trigger to mediate conspecific recruiting for wood preference and colonization. Nonetheless, the establishment of termite colonies in infested vs. non‐infested wood pieces led to better termite performance in the former, exhibiting higher wood consumption and survival.
Differential thermal tolerance across life stages under extreme high temperatures crossed with feeding status in corn leaf aphid
Authors: Chen Yu , Quan Yudong , Verheggen François , Wang Zhenying , Francis Frederic , He Kanglai 
Published: December 2020

1. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and duration of extreme heat events, which would pose significant challenges to most ectotherm species, such as insects.2. In the study, we address the thermal tolerance of corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphummaidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under brief extreme high‐temperature events (i.e. heat waves) across life stages. Immature instars and adults of R. maidis were exposed to heat events of increasing temperatures (0.5 °C min−1), starting at 22 °C and reaching one of the selected maximal temperatures (from 38.5 to 44.5 °C with an increased interval of 0.5 °C). In each temperature regime, the mortality of R. maidis was compared with and without barley seedlings.3. Results showed that the critical high temperature (CHT) of R. maidis was 39.0 °C in no feeding treatments, while it was 39.5 °C in feeding treatments. The upper lethal temperatures (ULTs) of R. maidis were significantly different between feeding and no feeding treatments. In addition, the ULTs varied significantly across life stages with the highest ULT values for 4th instars. Feeding significantly increased the thermal tolerance of phytophagous insects.4. Variable balances in plant‐herbivore interactions will be induced according to the insect feeding diet status and instar stage when experiencing extreme temperatures resulting from the warming climate. The findings will provide valuable information for understanding the role of food intake in thermal adaptation of small arthropods to extreme high‐temperature events under climate change.
Coronary microvascular function is impaired in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Argirò Alessia , Sciagrà Roberto , Marchi Alberto , Beltrami Matteo , Spinelli Enrico , Salvadori Emilia , Bianchi Andrea , Mascalchi Mario , Poggesi Anna , Olivotto Iacopo , Pescini Francesca 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeCerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare inherited disease caused by NOTCH3 gene mutations. Although the main clinical features reflect brain injury, CADASIL is a systemic microangiopathy, and cardiac involvement has been observed but not systematically assessed. We aimed to study the prevalence and severity of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in CADASIL patients.MethodsSeventeen patients with genetically confirmed CADASIL, aged <60 years (mean age 40 ± 9 years), with ≤1 cardiovascular risk factor underwent neurological and neuropsychological evaluation, 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG), standard echocardiography, and measurement of myocardial blood flow at rest (resting MBF) and of maximal myocardial blood flow following Regadenoson infusion (Reg‐MBF) by 13NH3 positron emission tomography (PET). Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was defined as Reg‐MBF/resting MBF. PET results were compared to those of 15 healthy controls who were age and sex matched.ResultsTwelve patients (71%) presented migraine, none (53%) had psychiatric disturbances, and one (6%) had a previous stroke. None had cognitive impairment or ECG or echocardiography abnormalities. Both Reg‐MBF and CFR were blunted in CADASIL patients compared with controls (Reg‐MBF 2.46 ± 0.54 vs. 3.09 ± 0.44 ml/g/min, respectively; p < 0.01; CFR 2.74 ± 0.36 vs. 3.28 ± 0.66, respectively, p < 0.01). No correlations were found between Reg‐MBF values and neuropsychological performance or cerebral lesion burden on MRI.ConclusionsCADASIL patients exhibit blunted CFR due to CMD, which can be severe and is independent of the severity of brain lesion load and cognitive performances. CADASIL is a systemic microcirculation disease, and active surveillance of cardiac symptoms should be considered in these patients.
Framework for Web 2.0 implementation in higher education: Experts’ validation
Authors: Isaías Pedro , Miranda Paula , Pífano Sara 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTechnology, and Web 2.0 in particular, has been the focus of many universities’ efforts to respond to 21st‐century learners’ demands and the volatile nature of the modern workplace. Web 2.0, with the numerous benefits it presents, seems to fit the needs of a socially connected and information‐led society, but its integration in educational settings remains an intricate process. This paper examines the factors that potentiate the successful integration of Web 2.0 tools in higher education, by structuring them into a framework composed of six elements. The framework was validated by an online questionnaire that was distributed among higher education experts, who reiterated the importance of all the factors: technology selection, user‐friendly tools, students’ participation, high number of active students, relevant content, and features for content addition and communication.