bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids and COVID-19: a prospective cohort study and Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Sun Yitang , Chatterjee Radhika , Ronanki Akash , Ye Kaixiong 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundHigher circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-3 ones, have been linked to a better prognosis in patients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the effects and causality of pre-infection PUFA levels remain unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the observational and causal associations of circulating PUFAs with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.DesignWe first performed a prospective cohort study in UK Biobank, with 20,626 controls who were tested negative and 4,101 COVID-19 patients, including 970 hospitalized ones. Plasma PUFAs at baseline were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance, including total PUFAs, omega-3 PUFAs, omega-6 PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid (LA), and the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Moreover, bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to examine the causal associations of eight individual PUFAs, measured in either plasma or red blood cells, with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity using summary statistics from existing genome-wide association studies.ResultsIn the observational association analysis, total PUFAs, omega-3 PUFAs, omega-6 PUFAs, DHA, and LA were associated with a lower risk of severe COVID-19. Omega-3 PUFAs and DHA were also associated with a lower risk of testing positive for COVID-19. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio was positively associated with risks of both susceptibility and severity. The forward MR analysis indicated that arachidonic acid (AA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA-n3) might be causally associated with a lower risk of severe COVID-19, with OR (95% CI) per one SD increase in the plasma level as 0.96 (0.94, 0.99) and 0.89 (0.81, 0.99), respectively. The reverse MR analysis did not support any causal effect of COVID-19 on PUFAs.ConclusionsOur observational analysis supported that higher circulating PUFAs, either omega-3 or omega-6, are protective against severe COVID-19, while omega-3 PUFAs, especially DHA, were also associated with reducing COVID-19 susceptibility. Our MR analysis further supported causal associations of AA and DPA-n3 with a lower risk of severe COVID-19.
Factors Associated with Active Trachoma among Children in Ebinat District, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Beyene Getalem Aychew , Beyene Nigist Aychew , Fekadu Gedefaw Abeje 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite the availability of effective prevention strategies and treatments, trachoma is still the major cause of infectious blindness worldwide. The majority of blindness from trachoma is currently reported from sub-Saharan Africa, with the greatest burden in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with active trachoma among children aged 1-9 years in Ebinat District.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Ebinat District, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia from March 1-30 2018. A multi-stage random cluster sampling technique was employed and all children 1–9 years old from the selected households were clinically examined for trachoma by ophthalmic nurses using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified clinical grading scheme. A total of 565 children were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with active trachoma among children.ResultThe overall prevalence of active trachoma was 36.1% (95% CI: 32.0% - 40.0%). Of all active trachoma cases, 26.5% and 9.6% were trachomatous follicular and trachomatous follicular-intense respectively. Discharge on the eye (AOR=8.23; 95% CI: 4.27-15.87), presence of liquid waste around the main house (AOR=2.31; 95% CI: 1.47-3.61), presence of human feces around the main house (AOR=2.64; 95% CI: 1.61-4.35), unclean faces (AOR= 5.71; 95% CI: 2.18 – 14.96), not washing face and hands frequently (AOR= 2.28; 95% CI: 1.33-3.90), not using soap while washing face and hands (AOR=1.95; 95% CI: 1.21-3.34), and having more flies on children’s face (AOR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73) were significantly associated with active trachoma.Conclusion and recommendationActive trachoma is a major public health problem among children in the Ebinat District. Surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics for active disease, facial hygiene, and environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy at school and community are recommended to lower the burden of trachoma in the Ebinat District, Northwest Ethiopia.
COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia during a period of high epidemic control, 2020
Authors: Hogarth Freya G , Nye Rachel , Pingault Nevada , Crouch Simon , Coffey Cushla , Smith Kylie , Boyd Rowena , Kelaher Catherine , Rentin Tracie , Hewitt Moira C , Polkinghorne Ben , Kirk Martyn D 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo describe characteristics of COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia to guide policy development for mitigation of future outbreaks, we conducted a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 outbreaks affecting two or more people reported to COVID-Net—an Australian national surveillance network—from 28 January until 27 December 2020. The COVID-Net surveillance network covered all Australian states and territories, with an estimated population of 25,649,985 persons as at 31 June 2020. We reported the epidemiology of COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia, including the setting in which they occurred, size, and duration.853 outbreaks of COVID-19 were reported; associated with 13,957 confirmed cases, of whom 2,047 were hospitalised, and 800 died. The pattern of outbreaks followed a similar trend to the epidemic in Australia, defined by two distinct peaks in mid-March and July. Victoria reported the greatest number of outbreaks across all settings aligned with the second wave of infections. Outbreaks most commonly occurred in the workplace/industry setting (22%, 190/853), followed by education (14%, 122/853), residential aged care (13%, 114/853) and hospitals (10%, 83/853). The majority (40%, 340/853) of outbreaks had 6 to 24 cases, and the median outbreak duration increased in proportion with the number of associated cases.This report summarising COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia identifies settings of highest risk. Surveillance of outbreaks informs our understanding of transmission dynamics in Australia relative to national and jurisdictional interventions. For settings that are high risk for COVID-19, it is important to prioritise planning, surveillance, and implementation of control measures.
Inequalities in mental and social wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: prospective longitudinal observational study of five UK cohorts
Authors: Moreno-Agostino Darío , Fisher Helen L. , Hatch Stephani L. , Morgan Craig , Ploubidis George B. , Das-Munshi Jayati 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundResearch suggests that there have been inequalities in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related non-pharmaceutical interventions on population mental health. We explored these inequalities during the first year of the pandemic using nationally representative cohorts from the UK.MethodsWe analysed data from 26,772 participants from five longitudinal cohorts representing generations born between 1946 and 2000, collected in May 2020, September-October 2020, and February-March 2021 across all five cohorts. We used a multilevel growth curve modelling approach to explore sociodemographic and socioeconomic differences in levels of anxiety and depressive symptomatology, loneliness, and life satisfaction over time.ResultsYounger generations had worse levels of mental and social wellbeing throughout the first year of the pandemic. Whereas these generational inequalities narrowed between the first and last observation periods for life satisfaction (−0.33 [95% CI: −0.51, −0.15]), they became larger for anxiety (0.22 [0.10, 0.33]). Pre-existing generational inequalities in depression and loneliness did not change, but initial depression levels of the youngest cohort were worse than expected if the generational inequalities had not accelerated. Women and those experiencing financial difficulties had worse initial mental and social wellbeing levels than men and those financially living comfortably, respectively, and these gaps did not substantially differ between the first and last observation periods. Inequalities by additional factors are reported.ConclusionsBy March 2021, mental and social wellbeing inequalities persisted in the UK adult population. Pre-existing generational inequalities may have been exacerbated with the pandemic onset. Policies aimed at protecting vulnerable groups are needed.
Feedback regulation of RNase E during UV-stress response in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Watanabe Satoru , Stazic Damir , Georg Jens , Ohtake Shota , Numakura Megumi , Asayama Munehiko , Chibazakura Taku , Wilde Annegret , Steglich Claudia , Hess Wolfgang R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEndoribonucleases govern the maturation and degradation of RNA and are indispensable in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. A key endoribonuclease in many bacteria is RNase E. To ensure an appropriate supply of RNase E, some bacteria, such as E. coli, have evolved tightly functioning feedback regulation of RNase E that is mediated in cis by the rne 5′-untranslated region (5′ UTR); however, the mechanisms involved in the control of RNase E in other bacteria largely remain unknown. Cyanobacteria rely on solar light as an energy source for photosynthesis, despite the inherent ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Here, we investigated the global gene expression response in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 after exposure to UV light and discovered a unique response of RNase E: a rapidly increasing enzymatic activity, although the stability of the protein was decreased. In parallel, we observed an increased accumulation of full-length rne mRNA that was caused by the stabilization of its 5′ UTR and suppression of premature transcriptional termination but not by an increased transcription rate. Mapping of RNA 3′ ends and in vitro cleavage assays revealed that RNase E cleaves within a stretch of six consecutive uridine residues within the rne 5′ UTR, indicating autoregulation via its own 5′ UTR. These observations imply that RNase E in cyanobacteria contributes substantially to reshaping the transcriptome during the UV stress response and that its required activity level is maintained despite enhanced turnover of the protein by posttranscriptional feedback regulation.
Production of recombinant human acid α-glucosidase with mannosidic N-glycans in α-mannosidase I mutant rice cell suspension culture
Authors: Jung Jae-Wan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHigh-mannose glycans, containing 6-9 mannose residues, are favorable for in vitro mannose phosphorylation to produce Mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) residues. These are important for lysosomal enzyme targeting and essential for uptake. Golgi α-mannosidase-I mediates mannose trimming in the N-glycosylation pathway. In this study, I used mutant rice with a T-DNA insertion in the Os04g0606400 (Δα-manI) gene to produce recombinant human acid α-glucosidase (rhGAA) for enzyme replacement therapy to treat Pompe disease. After characterization of Δα-manI mutant rice, the gene encoding rhGAA was introduced into mutant calli by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Integration of the target sequence into the rice genome was detected by genomic DNA PCR. Expression of rhGAA from Δα-manI mutant (Δα-manI-GAA) and its secretion into culture media were confirmed by western blot analysis. The N-glycosylation pattern of purified Δα-manI-GAA was analysed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This showed that the high-mannose type N-glycan with man8 (63.8%) was the most abundant form, followed by Man7 (22.5%), GnGnXF3 (6.7%), Man6 (5.4%), and Man5 (1.6%). The results suggest the successful production of rhGAA with N-glycan containing 6-8 mannose residue in the Δα-manI mutant rice cell suspension culture.
High Fat Diet Blunts Stress-Induced Hypophagia and Activation of Glp1r Dorsal Lateral Septum Neurons in Male but not in Female Mice
Authors: Bales Michelle B. , Centanni Samuel W. , Luchsinger Joseph R. , Nwaba Kaitlyn Ginika , Paldrmic Isabella M. , Winder Danny G. , Ayala Julio E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWhile stress typically reduces caloric intake (hypophagia) in chow-fed rodents, presentation of palatable, high calorie substances during stress can increase caloric consumption (i.e. “comfort feeding”) and promote obesity. However, little is known about how obesity itself affects feeding behavior in response to stress and the mechanisms that can influence stress-associated feeding in the context of obesity. We show that lean male mice display the expected hypophagic response following acute restraint stress, but obese male mice are resistant to this acute stress-induced hypophagia. Activation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (Glp1) receptor (Glp1r) in various brain regions leads to hypophagia in response to stress. Here we show that Glp1r-positive neurons in the dorsal lateral septum (dLS) are robustly activated during acute restraint stress in lean but not in obese male mice. This raises the possibility that activation of dLS Glp1r neurons during restraint stress contributes to subsequent hypophagia. Supporting this, we show that chemogenetic inhibition of dLS Glp1r neurons attenuates acute restraint stress hypophagia in male mice. Surprisingly, we show that both lean and obese female mice are resistant to acute restraint stress-induced hypophagia and activation of dLS Glp1r neurons. Taken together, these results suggest that dLS Glp1r neurons contribute to the hypophagic response to acute restraint stress in male mice, but not in female mice, and that obesity disrupts this response in male mice. Broadly, these findings show sexually dimorphic mechanisms and feeding behaviors in lean vs. obese mice in response to acute stress.
Dual case study of continued use vs cessation of cannabis in psychosis: a theoretically informed approach to a hard problem
Authors: Larsen Jonathan Led , Johansen Katrine Schepelern , Nordgaard Julie , Mehlsen Mimi Yung 
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Cannabis use in the context of psychosis has been shown to have a negative impact on prognosis and yet it is difficult to treat. Recent randomized controlled trials all have negative findings and novel approaches is sought after. This paper aims to use an embodied cognition framework to add to the understanding of cannabis use in psychosis.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents longitudinal, qualitative data on two individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and using cannabis at least twice weekly prior to inclusion in the study. Factors influencing cannabis use were mapped in dialogue with the participants. Each participant was interviewed six times over the course of a year. The analysis was informed theoretically to describe processes maintaining or ameliorating cannabis use over time.

Findings
This study shows that a systems approach for understanding changes in cannabis use is meaningful; the richness of observations add to the understanding of differences in outcomes. Findings suggest that reductions in cannabis use in psychosis could be dependent on synergistic effects between contextual conditions. Attending closer to the experience of patients may help inform future interventions. However, interventions focusing on single mechanisms may be futile, if an array of individual, formative experiences are a prerequisite for change. A systemic understanding of dual diagnosis calls for tailored, individualized interventions.

Originality/value
The research tests a novel systemic perspective on cannabis use in psychosis by applying it to qualitative longitudinal data. Adding a systemic perspective may help develop future interventions addressing cannabis use in psychosis, which has long been considered a “hard problem” in dual diagnosis treatment.
Service sector subsidiary performance in emerging markets: is it who or what you know?
Authors: Dahms Sven , Zutshi Ambika , Puri Sandeep 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis research investigates performance determinants of service sector foreign-owned subsidiaries located in an emerging market. The focus is on the two dimensions of organizational networks (Who do you know?) and competencies (What do you know?).Design/methodology/approachData were collected via a large-scale survey of managing directors located in the midrange emerging economy of Taiwan. The data are analyzed using partial least squares structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) techniques.FindingsThe results show the importance of intraorganizational network strength as a key determinant of subsidiary performance, and that combinations of interorganizational network strength and competencies can determine performance in several subsidiaries.Originality/valueThis article offers new insights by testing a theoretical framework based on network perspective and the competence-based view of the firm in an emerging market context. It also offers an additional twist by employing symmetric (PLS-SEM) and nonsymmetric (fsQCA) methods to test the framework. This allows to arrive at robust conclusions about the complementarity and substitutability of the applied theories. This research also contributes to the current literature by providing fine-grained insights into the nature and impact of competencies and networks. It is also one of the few studies to focus specifically on service sector subsidiaries.
Unraveling the existence of the necessity and sufficiency of accounting information
Authors: Agbodjo Serge , Seny Kan Konan Anderson , Zori Solomon George , Hussainey Khaled 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe authors illustrate accounting information's effects in terms of necessity and sufficiency, using a set-theoretic approach, and highlight how the approach complements conventional correlational analyses.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine the relationship between accounting numbers (accounting information) and stock prices (effect) under both correlational and set-theoretic perspectives using a value relevance methodology.FindingsThe claim that accounting information is significantly correlated to an outcome does not inform the accounting information's necessity or sufficiency. In addition, findings suggest that not all control variables that are significantly correlated to a supposed accounting effect are necessary to explain that effect. Moreover, variables reflecting accounting information are not individually sufficient to explain the effect under investigation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to set-theoretic approach to accounting research and echoes the call for a diversity of research approaches in accounting.Practical implicationsThe study may have practical implications for various accounting information users, including investors, financial analysts and financial market and accounting disclosure regulators as well. Indeed, accounting information users should consider the importance of the combined effect of multiple pieces of accounting information in the users' positions on firms' stocks. Understanding what might be the relevant combinations of accounting information associated with a given organizational context is a key in making compelling accounting-informed decisions. Such knowledge can inform reflections of accounting disclosures and regulations on the combined effects of several accounting information.Originality/valueFirst, the study adds to the newly introduced set-theoretic approach to empirical accounting. The study also resonates with the call for a diversity of research approaches in accounting. The authors empirically demonstrate that significant correlation between accounting information and its effects does not connote “necessity” or “sufficiency,” which is rather revealed by qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Such complementarity can help accounting researchers to carry out (1) new investigations of accounting's earlier hypotheses or propositions and (2) investigations of new accounting hypotheses/propositions deriving from existing accounting theories and (3) to explore new relationships between accounting phenomena. Second, the study incidentally contributes to value relevance literature in terms of contextualization of the relevance of accounting information. Specific to the African capital markets, the study complements the few recent studies on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières d’Abidjan (BRVM).
The impact of advertising exposure on the gendered perceptions of men with mental health concerns
Authors: Li Tianyi 
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Traditional masculinity ideologies dictate men should be tough, self-reliant and display restrictive emotionality. Men who seek mental health services, a behavior that typically involves expressing feelings and showing dependence, are often subject to stigma. The purpose of the study is to examine the gendered perceptions of men who seek help for mental health concerns, as well as how masculine advertisements moderate these perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach
After viewing either masculine or control advertisements, participants read descriptions of men who sought help for psychological or physical symptoms and provided masculinity ratings in a task ostensibly unrelated to the advertisements.

Findings
Across two experiments, participants perceived the male target who sought help for psychological symptoms, a behavior incongruent with the traditional masculinity ideologies, as less masculine than his counterpart seeking help for physical symptoms. Importantly, exposure to masculine advertisements attenuated the gendered perceptions for psychological help-seeking: viewing masculine advertisements led participants to deliberately reflect on society’s expectations for men to be physically masculine and tough and the extent to which men should conform to these standards. These reflections counteract the effect of stigma on the gendered perceptions of men seeking help for mental health concerns.

Originality/value
The representation of men as masculine and rugged in advertisements is believed to contribute to public perceptions of men seeking help for mental health concerns. Yet the current research demonstrates an unexpected effect of viewing masculine advertisements in attenuating the gendered perceptions of men’s help-seeking.