bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of intestinal stemness and cell lineage by histone variant H2A.Z isoforms
Authors: Rispal Jérémie , Rives Clémence , Jouffret Virginie , Leoni Caroline , Dubois Louise , Chevillard-Briet Martine , Trouche Didier , Escaffit Fabrice
Published: October 2023

The histone variant H2A.Z plays important functions in the regulation of gene expression. In mammals, it is encoded by two genes, giving raise to two highly related isoforms named H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2, which can have similar or antagonistic functions depending on the promoter. Knowledge of the physiopathological consequences of such functions emerges, but how the balance between these isoforms regulates tissue homeostasis is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the relative role of H2A.Z isoforms in intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Through genome-wide analysis of H2A.Z genomic localization in differentiating Caco-2 cells, we uncovered an enrichment of H2A.Z isoforms on the bodies of genes which are induced during enterocyte differentiation, stressing the potential importance of H2A.Z isoforms dynamics in this process. Through a combination ofin vitroandin vivoexperiments, we further demonstrated the two isoforms cooperate for stem and progenitor cells proliferation, as well as for secretory lineage differentiation. However, we found that they antagonistically regulate enterocyte differentiation, with H2A.Z.1 preventing terminal differentiation and H2A.Z.2 favoring it. Altogether, these data indicate that H2A.Z isoforms are critical regulators of intestine homeostasis and may provide a paradigm of how the balance between two isoforms of the same chromatin structural protein can control physiopathological processes.
Mapping energy landscapes of homopolymeric RNAs via simulated tempering and deep unsupervised learning
Authors: Ramachandran Vysakh , Potoyan Davit A
Published: October 2023

Conformational dynamics plays crucial roles in RNA functions about sensing and responding to environmental signals. The liquid-liquid phase separation of RNAs and the formation of stress granules partly relies on RNA’s conformational plasticity and its ability to engage in multivalent interactions. Recent experiments with homopolymeric and low-complexity RNAs have revealed significant differences in phase separations due to differences in base chemistry of RNA units. We hypothesize that differences in RNA phase-transition dynamics can be traced back to the differences in conformational dynamics of single RNA chains. In the present contribution, we utilize atomistic simulations with numerous unsupervised learning to map temperature dependence conformational free energy landscapes for homopolymeric RNA chains. These landscapes reveal a variety of metastable excited states influenced by the nature of base chemistry. We shed light on the distinct contributions of the polyphosphate backbone versus base chemistry in shaping conformational ensembles of different RNAs. We demonstrate that the experimentally observed temperature-driven shifts in metastable state populations align with experimental phase diagrams for homopolymeric RNAs. The work establishes a microscopic framework to reason about base-specific RNA propensity for phase separation. We believe our work will be valuable for designing novel RNA sensors for biological and synthetic applications.
Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 is a central leverage point in Parkinson's disease driven neuronal metabolic deficits
Authors: Kokotos Alex , Antoniazzi Aldana , Unda Santiago , Kokotos Myung Soo , Park Daehun , Eliezer David , Kaplitt Michael , De Camilli Pietro , Ryan Timothy
Published: October 2023

Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), the first ATP producing glycolytic enzyme, has emerged as a therapeutic target for Parkinson's Disease (PD), since a potential enhancer of its activity was reported to significantly lower PD risk. We Carried out a suppressor screen of hypometabolic synaptic deficits and demonstrated that PGK1 is the rate limiting enzyme in nerve terminal ATP production. Increasing PGK1 expression in mid-brain dopamine neurons protected against hydroxy-dopamine driven striatal dopamine nerve terminal dysfunction in-vivo and modest changes in PGK1 activity dramatically supressed hypometabolic dysfunction in-vitro. Furthermore, PGK1 is cross-regulated by PARK7(DJ-1), a PD associated molecular chaperone, and synaptic deficits driven by PARK20 (Synaptojanin-1) can be reversed by increasing local synaptic PGK1 activity. These data indicate that nerve terminal bioenergetic deficits may underly a a spectrum of PD susceptibilities and the identification of PGK1 as the limiting enzyme in axonal glycolysis provides a mechanistic underpinning for therapeutic protection.
Towards an “Evaluation Dilemmas Model” – designing an evaluation scheme for a European capital of culture
Authors: Degn Hans-Peter , Hadley Steven , Hansen Louise Ejgod
Published: October 2023

Purpose

During the evaluation of European Capital of Culture (ECoC) Aarhus 2017, the evaluation organisation rethinkIMPACTS 2017 formulated a set of “dilemmas” capturing the main challenges arising during the design of the ECoC evaluation. This functioned as a framework for the evaluation process. This paper aims to present and discuss the relevance of the “Evaluation Dilemmas Model” as subsequently applied to the Galway 2020 ECoC programme evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes an empirical approach including auto-ethnography and interview data to document and map the dilemmas involved in undertaking an evaluation in two different European cities. Evolved via a process of practice-based research, the article addresses the development of and the arguments for the dilemmas model and considers its potential for wider applicability in the evaluation of large-scale cultural projects.

Findings

The authors conclude that the “Evaluation Dilemmas Model” is a valuable heuristic for considering the endogenous and exogenous issues in cultural evaluation.

Practical implications

The model developed is useful for a wide range of cultural evaluation processes including – but not limited to – European Capitals of Culture.

Originality/value

What has not been addressed in the academic literature is the process of evaluating ECoCs; especially how evaluators often take part in an overall process that is not just about the evaluation but also planning and delivering a project that includes stakeholder management and the development of evaluation criteria, design and methods.
Healthy employees are assets: a structural model based on individual and organizational characteristics for hotel employee well-being
Authors: Majeed Fatima , Ul haq Junaid
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Healthy employees are assets for organizations, especially in service organizations. This study considered variables that lead to psychological, life and workplace well-being for hotel employees. A comprehensive model is proposed for which Job Demand–Resource (JD-R) theory provides theoretical support.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from four hundred and five hotel employees were collected to observe the individual and organizational factors that directly and indirectly result in three types of well-being: workplace, psychological and life.

Findings

Results provide significant positive direct and indirect effects of individual characteristics (personal cynicism and job stress) on psychological, life and workplace well-being. Similarly, organizational characteristics (organizational values and job characteristics) showed positive direct and indirect effects on life and workplace well-being.

Originality/value

The findings provide a strong recommendation for managers to focus on individual- and organizational-level factors that enhance the well-being of employees.
Leading early childhood education centers as professional bureaucracies – social organizational structures in Finnish early childhood education
Authors: Roponen Hannele , Fonsén Elina , Ukkonen-Mikkola Tuulikki , Ahtiainen Raisa
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines the social organizational structure of one early childhood education (ECE) center in Finland and the relationship between this structure and the roles and the responsibilities of the members of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is a qualitative case study with ethnographic features. Its variables for content analysis are based on Henry Mintzberg's theory of organizational design.

Findings

The study's results show that the organizational structure of the ECE center follows the organizational configuration of a Professional bureaucracy and that the multiprofessional teams follow the configuration of a Simple structure. The structures for centralization and decentralization are suitable for a professional bureaucracy, but the roles of the members of the organization and the processes for shared decision-making lack clarification. The shortage of qualified ECE teachers disrupts the function of the organization and the work of ECE leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The educational background of subjects may have affected the findings.

Originality/value

The study uses Henry Mintzberg's organizational structure theory to evaluate how and why power is distributed and activities are coordinated at the ECE center. The results also show what parts of the organization pose challenges that most commonly disrupt the organization's operations. With these findings, it is possible to expand the understanding of roles and responsibilities in the currently reforming ECE environment and what ECE centers need to function effectively. The study is part of a larger research project and will be continued to examine the leadership culture of the ECE center.
The online entrepreneurship program effect on young people's self-efficacy and intention: an experiment in Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, China and Romania
Authors: Vankov Daniel , Kozma David , Vankov Borislav , Chiers Johan , Galanternik Martin , Wang Lin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Entrepreneurship can help tackle economic problems, such as unemployment. It is often promoted through education programs. There is a limited comprehensive and rigorous understanding of how entrepreneurship education programs and their ubiquitous distance delivery affect young people's entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intention, particularly in non-formal settings. The purpose of this study is to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by the Social Cognitive Theory, this paper investigates the effects of one entrepreneurship education program in a study with 145 young people from five countries aged 18 to 25 years, 62 Intervention and 83 Control participants. The program's impact on the participants' entrepreneurial intention and self-efficacy (across six sub-dimensions) was assessed in a one-off two-week quasi-experiment. Ex-ante and ex-post self-reported data were collected about the participants.

Findings

One-way analyses of covariance were performed to assess separately for changes in the Intervention participants' answers, relative to the Control group. The results of this study suggest the program significantly affected all measures.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the discussions on the education programs’ effectiveness in promoting entrepreneurship. As a result, they may contribute to entrepreneurship education overcoming geographical and socio-economic hurdles (cost, time and entry barriers) to advance the development of industry, economy and community worldwide.
Governance mechanisms, firm performance and CEO compensation: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Alfawareh Faraj Salman , Che Johari Edie Erman , Ooi Chai-Aun
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of governance mechanisms and firm performance on chief executive officer (CEO) compensation in relation to the Jordanian business environment. This study also examines the moderating role of gender diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is drawn from the annual reports of 68 Jordanian firms between 2015 and 2019. This paper uses the ordinary least square regression. It also uses the generalised method of moments approach to control any endogeneity issue and analyses the data in depth. In addition, it uses a dynamic model to address concerns regarding causality in the study’s models.

Findings

The results show that governance mechanisms and firm performance have an impact on CEO compensation. Furthermore, the outcomes indicate that gender diversity significantly and positively moderates the association between firm performance and CEO compensation. These findings enhance and support agency theory in the context of Jordan.

Practical implications

The study’s results have significant implications for policymakers, shareholders, investors, academicians and the public in the developing Jordanian market. The findings also support more monitoring and inspection to prevent the occurrence of opportunistic management behaviour and ensure that CEO remuneration packages are appropriately designed.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique understanding by explaining the impact of governance and performance on CEO compensation in a developing country such as Jordan. Besides that, the current study extends prior studies in Jordan significantly.
The more open, the better? Research on the influence of subject diversity on trust of tourism platforms
Authors: Xu Siyuan , Mou Yupeng , Ding Zhihua
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The continuous impact of the pandemic and the downturn of the global economy have brought new challenges to the tourism industry. In this context, effectively attracting consumers and improving user stickiness are the top priorities of tourism platform companies. This study explores the impact of ethical concerns raised by new issues under the multi-governance environment on user stickiness. Based on the trust theory, the authors provide solutions for tourism platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative approach, gathering survey data via an online platform. A total of 400 participants were investigated, and 356 valid questionnaires were returned, with a recovery rate of 89%. Questionnaires that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, leaving 298 valid responses.

Findings

Studies have found that consumers' ethical concerns about platform companies are key factors affecting user stickiness, and among these, consumer trust plays a mediating role. They have found that corporate social responsibility (CSR) behaviours help alleviate ethical concerns and improve trust in enterprises. At the same time, enterprises should properly control the number of platform collaborators, and excessive platform cooperation negatively moderates the impact of consumer ethical concerns on competence-based trust.

Originality/value

This study complements the deficiency of previous research with regard to ethical concerns in a multi-governance environment. These findings indicate that subject diversity exacerbates the negative impact of ethical concerns on consumer trust; however, CSR alleviates the impact of ethical concerns on consumer trust.
Mental well-being through HR analytics: investigating an employee supportive framework
Authors: Lathabhavan Remya
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Organisations are increasingly adopting and adapting to technological advancements to stay relevant in the era of intense competition. Simultaneously, employee mental well-being has become a prominent global concern affecting people across various demographics. With this in mind, the present study explores the influence of human resource (HR) analytics, mental health organisational evidence-based management (OEBM) and organisational mental health support on the mental well-being of employees. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effects of manager and peer support on the association between organisational mental health support and the mental well-being of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 418 employees in India and structural equation modelling was performed to analyse the data.

Findings

The study found significant positive associations between HR analytics with mental health OEBM, organisational mental health support and mental well-being. Mental health OEBM was also found to be positively related to organisational mental health support and mental well-being. The moderating roles of manager and team support were also found to be significant in the associations between organisational mental health support and well-being.

Originality/value

The study showed that HR analytics is a valuable source of mental health data. This data can facilitate the development of evidence-based management (EBM) strategies to promote the mental well-being of employees.
Deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum in an elderly patient with CARD9 deficiency: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ansai Osamu , Hayashi Ryota , Nakamura Anna , Sasaki Jin , Hasegawa Akito , Deguchi Tokiko , Yuki Akihiko , Oike Naoki , Ariizumi Takashi , Abe Masahiro , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu , Takenouchi Tatsuya , Kawashima Hiroyuki , Abe Riichiro
Published: October 2023

Deep dermatophytosis is an invasive and sometimes life‐threatening fungal infection mainly reported in immunocompromised patients. However, a caspase recruitment domain‐containing protein 9 (CARD9) deficiency has recently been reported to cause deep dermatophytosis. Herein, we report the first Japanese case of deep dermatophytosis associated with CARD9 deficiency. An 80‐year‐old Japanese man with tinea corporis presented with subcutaneous nodules on his left sole. Histopathological findings revealed marked epithelioid cell granulomas with filamentous fungal structures in the deep dermis and subcutis, and the patient was diagnosed with deep dermatophytosis. Despite antifungal therapy, the subcutaneous nodule on his left sole gradually enlarged, his left calcaneal bone was invaded, and the patient finally underwent amputation of his left leg. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous CARD9 c.586 A > G (p. Lys196Glu) variant, suggesting a CARD9 deficiency. Here, we discuss the clinical features of CARD9 deficiency–associated deep dermatophytosis with a case report and review of the literature.
‘For Pretty Frocks’: Upper Class Female Consumerism and the Criminality of Abortions in Newspaper Reports of the Uzielli Case 1898
Authors: Michael‐Berger Lee
Published: October 2023

In the spring of 1898, Emily Edith Uzielli, a married member of the London elite, underwent an abortion, which was illegal at the time. Mrs Uzielli died as a result of the procedure, and the abortionist, Dr Collins, was accused of murder. This article examines the interconnectivity between conceptions of femininity and ideas on consumerism and the criminality of abortions in late Victorian England. It demonstrates that contemporary discourses of gender and high‐powered consumption infiltrated and shaped the popular discourse of the criminality of abortions, which was depicted as closely linked to transgressions of domesticity. Through the exploration of press representations of the Uzielli case, I show that women's newly acquired liberty of promenading West End streets and shopping centres were paralleled with their alleged freedom to control family size, independently of their husbands, through the means of abortion. Abortion procuring was portrayed as yet another manifestation of such ‘feminine’ consumer practices.
‘Simply by collaborating’? The impact of public and nongovernmental sectors collaboration experience on its institutionalization in the Lithuanian crisis management system
Authors: Bortkevičiūtė Rasa
Published: October 2023

Despite some evidence that the experience of collaboration contributes to its institutionalization in the crisis management system, the mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. Building on existing research, we distinguish six building blocks (i.e., pressure to collaborate, clarity of roles, mutual trust, leadership, positive feedback and learning) that influence the institutionalization of collaborative crisis management. By applying theory‐building process tracing to the Lithuanian COVID‐19 and irregular migration crises management, we analyse the interplay on these factors to derive the following propositions: (1) when crisis management involves partners with limited collaborative experience, both transformational and boundary spanning leadership are critical at different stages to institutionalize collaboration; (2) the clarification of roles, provision of positive feedback and the subsequent growth of trust experienced by partners engaged in collaborative activities contribute to the informal institutionalization of collaborative crisis management; (3) positive feedback on previous collaborative experience facilitates learning within the crisis management system and, when supported by the efforts of transformational leaders, leads to the formal institutionalization of collaborative crisis management. These propositions demonstrate how collaborative approaches can be fostered to deal with future crises as well as raise the question on the balance between formal and informal institutionalization of these practices.
A possible perfection
Authors: Theobald Simon
Published: October 2023

Among my interlocutors in Mashhad, Iran's second‐largest city, were individuals who repeatedly claimed that some persons, philosophies, and ethical lives not only might be but actually were perfect (kāmel). The salavāt, a polyvalent blessing upon the Prophet and his descendants, evinces this. By evoking a unified, authoritative, egalitarian moment, reoriented in praise of perfect religious exemplars, the salavāt provides a sonic mechanism that manifests a utopian public of Republican ambition. This acoustic form, and the perfect Islamist public that it creates, prompts an analysis that rethinks existing inquiry, which typifies moral lives as principally shaped by fracture. It calls instead for an examination that recognizes questions of ethics as potentially inflected by a utopianism, the legacies of which refract through societies for fleeting but powerfully sensed moments.
The impact of corporate environmental management practices on environmental performance
Authors: Hassan Omaima A. G. , Romilly Peter , Khadaroo Iqbal
Published: October 2023

This study draws on neo‐institutional theory to examine how and why corporate environmental management practices might affect environmental performance. It contributes to the literature by using a large, global data set to investigate the impact of 10 corporate environmental management practices on greenhouse gas emissions or emissions intensity. It focuses on greenhouse gas emissions which pose an existential threat to the people and planet, and the environmental management practices of corporations whose effectiveness has provoked cynicism and claims of “greenwash”. Our results are based on a dynamic, robust and large‐scale econometric analysis, which includes tests of association and Granger causation in comparison with earlier research. A key finding, which is of interest not only to the academic literature but also to policymakers and managers, is that environmental performance impacts environmental management practices but not vice versa, supporting the hypothesis that corporations adopt these practices as a symbolic legitimizing device rather than a genuine attempt derived from moral obligation to reduce their greenhouse gases or carbon intensity.
Are dysfunctional attitudes elevated and linked to mood in bipolar disorder? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Woods Chloe , Richardson Thomas , Palmer‐Cooper Emma
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Dysfunctional attitudes (DA) are higher in depression; however, less is understood about their role in bipolar disorder (BD). This paper aimed to explore the presence of DA in BD in comparison to clinical and non‐clinical groups. Also explored were the associations between DA and mood states of depression, mania or euthymia in BD.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted. A total of 47 articles were included in the systematic review of which 23 were included in the meta‐analysis. The quality of each study was rated.

Results

The meta‐analysis showed significantly higher DA in BD than healthy controls (d = .70). However, no difference was observed between BD and unipolar participants (d = −.16). When reviewing mood state within BD, a significant mean difference was found between DA scores for euthymic and depressed participants (d = −.71), with those who were depressed scoring higher. Three studies found that psychological therapies significantly reduce DA in BD (d = −.38).

Conclusions

These findings imply not only that DA are both a characteristic of BD that is not as prevalent in healthy populations but also that a depressed mood state is associated with increased severity. This implies that DA could possibly go ‘offline’ when mood symptoms are not present. Psychological therapies appear to reduce DA in BD. Implications for future research as well as practice‐based implications are expanded on in the discussion.
Stratified management based on surface antibody for the prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation in lymphoma patients
Authors: Liu Hailing , He Zhen , Gui Renfu , Guo Jingjing , Chen Lvwen , Zhong Miao , Li Jianyong , Cao Lei , Fan Lei
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate a stratified approach based on hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antibody (anti‐HBs) for managing HBV reactivation (HBVr) in lymphoma patients with serological protection against HBV. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 209 lymphoma patients with a baseline anti‐HBs titre of ≥10 iu/L, who were either positive or negative for HBV core antibody (anti‐HBc). The results revealed that 15.7% of patients lost serological protection following 6‐month anti‐lymphoma therapy. With a median follow‐up of 28.1 months, the cumulative rates of HBVr at 6 months, 2 years and 4 years were 2.9%, 4.7% and 6.3% respectively. Without intervention, the overall rate of reactivation was 2.0% for patients with isolated anti‐HBs and 10.5% for those with positive anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc. To identify patients at high risk of losing seroprotection and susceptible to HBVr, a predictive model was developed. The high‐risk group had significantly higher rates of serological protection loss (27.8% vs. 2.2%) and cumulative incidence of HBVr (22.0% vs. 0%) compared to the low‐risk group. Overall, this study highlights the risk of HBVr in lymphoma patients with positive anti‐HBs, with or without positive anti‐HBc, and recommends periodic monitoring for low‐risk patients and early intervention for high‐risk patients.
High recurrence rate of eczema herpeticum in moderate/severe atopic dermatitis –TREATgermany registry analysis
Authors: Traidl Stephan , Heinrich Luise , Siegels Doreen , Rösner Lennart , Haufe Eva , Harder Inken , Abraham Susanne , Ertner Konstantin , Kleinheinz Andreas , Schäkel Knut , Wollenberg Andreas , Effendy Isaak , Quist Sven , Asmussen Andrea , Wildberger Julia , Weisshaar Elke , Wiemers Franka , Brücher Jens‐Joachim , Weidinger Stephan , Schmitt Jochen , Werfel Thomas ,   the TREATgermany Study Group
Published: October 2023

Background

Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a disseminated skin infection caused by herpes simplex virus in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. The frequency of EH and the clinical features of EH patients have not yet been investigated in a larger cohort.

Methods

We sought to investigate the TREATgermany cohort, a multicenter, non‐interventional clinical registry of moderately to severely affected AD patients in Germany. Baseline characteristics of patients included between December 2017 and April 2021 were compared between patients without, single, and multiple EH.

Results

Of the 893 patients, 195 (21.8%) had at least one EH. Of the 195 patients with EH, 107 had multiple EH (54.9%), representing 12.0% of the total study population. While there were no differences in demographic characteristics, previous treatment, and disease scores at enrollment (itch, IGA, oSCORAD, EASI), patients with EH had more frequent atopic comorbidities and sensitizations to house dust mite, food, and mold.

Discussion

TREATgermany registry data suggest a high prevalence and recurrence rate of EH, while there appears to be no specific clinical phenotype, besides an increase in allergies, to identify EH patients in the daily routine.
Effects of organic carbon and clay contents on structure‐related properties of arable soils with high clay content
Authors: Soinne Helena , Keskinen Riikka , Tähtikarhu Mika , Kuva Jukka , Hyväluoma Jari
Published: October 2023

Understanding of factors governing soil structural features is necessary for managing key processes affecting crop productivity and environmental impacts of agriculture, for example, soil water balance, aeration, and root penetration. Organic matter is known to act as a major binding agent in soil aggregation and thus constitutes a central pillar in soil structure formation. However, knowledge of the structural role of organic matter or carbon (OC) in soils highly rich in clay‐sized particles (<0.002 mm) is limited. In this study, the effects of clay and OC contents on aggregate stability, water holding capacity, near‐saturated hydraulic conductivity, total porosity, and pore size distribution were assessed in cultivated fields with high clay content located in private crop production farms in southern Finland. Significant positive correlations were found between OC content and proportion of water stable aggregates and specific pore sizes from the range of 30 μm up to 1 mm diameter determined by image analysis. Porosities on a smaller size range derived from water retention measurements likewise showed a positive correlation with OC in <0.2 μm sizes. On the range of 0.2–1 μm, a negative relationship was observed, which induced a negative effect of OC on soil plant available water reserves. In line with the positive correlation between OC and larger soil pores, free water, representing the amount of water that can be drained by gravity, exhibited a positive relationship with OC suggesting that OC content can enhance aeration of soils with high clay content. Compared to OC, clay content tended to have an adverse effect on soil structural properties. Clay correlated negatively with pores larger than 30 μm, free water content, and extrapolated field saturated hydraulic conductivity. Further, our imaging results showed how saturated hydraulic conductivity was controlled by pore morphology, and there was a power law relationship between the conductivity and critical pore diameter. in agreement with the percolation theory. Overall, the structural impacts and hydrological implications of OC and clay in heavy clay soils vary by pore size ranges and their emergent practical impacts are thus not straightforward.
Did Martin Luther suffer from vestibular migraine?
Authors: Evers Stefan
Published: October 2023

Martin Luther (1483–1546) reported attacks of headache and of vertigo in his letters and in his lectures. The symptomatology of his headache attacks fulfilled, at least in part, the diagnostic semiological criteria of migraine. However, because we cannot be sure about the time pattern and the exclusion of other disorders that might explain the headache, the diagnosis of migraine is not final. The vertigo attacks sometimes fulfilled the criteria of Ménière's disease. Vertigo also occurred together with headache attacks fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria for vestibular migraine; however, we do not know exactly the pattern of attack frequency and duration. In summary, it is possible that Martin Luther suffered from attacks of vestibular migraine and had in addition a comorbidity of migraine and Ménière's disease.
The 33rd International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR2023)
Authors: Ueda Minoru , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Sugimoto Keiko , Mochida Keiichi , Nakajima Keiji , Hayashi Makoto , Okamoto Masanori , Nakamura Yuki , Seki Motoaki
Published: October 2023

The 33rd International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR2023) was held at Makuhari Messe International Conference Hall in Chiba prefecture from June 5 to 9, 2023. This annual conference, which rotates among hosts in North America, Asia–Oceania, and Europe, covers the full range of plant biology research involving Arabidopsis and other plant species. The conference hosted more than 1200 participants, including approximately 800 international attendees from 42 countries (or regions), and featured about 900 oral and poster presentations. Reflecting the conference theme, “Arabidopsis for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” there were numerous exemplary presentations regarding basic plant science using Arabidopsis and translational research conducted to achieve SDGs by exploiting the knowledge gained from Arabidopsis to improve crop production. The conference concluded on a high note, with more than 99% of survey respondents expressing their general satisfaction with ICAR2023. This report aims to summarize the organization, objectives, and outcomes of the conference.
Exploring the effect of the Russian–Ukrainian conflict on MENA firms: Does the monetary policy play a role?
Authors: Sami Mina
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the effect of the Russian–Ukrainian conflict on the firms operating in the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries, focusing on how different sectors of the economy have responded. The empirical methodology utilizes firm‐level data from MENA countries, employing fixed effect and instrumental variable estimations to control for the potential endogeneity of casualties in the war and firm dynamics. The results of this study reveal that (1) an increase of 1% in the hostility of the Russian–Ukrainian war corresponds to a 0.13% decrease in the market cap of MENA firms. (2) This effect is more pronounced among highly indebted firms, conducting business solely within the domestic market, and operating on a small scale. (3) The monetary policy is vital in mitigating the effect of the conflict on firms.

This study has two main contributions. First, it empirically assesses how firms operating in the MENA region respond to geopolitical events, highlighting differences in responses between firms and sectors. Second, this paper serves as guidelines for governments to face the challenges raised by wars. In particular, the paper shows the relevance of sector‐specific policy responses based on the extent to which each sector is affected by geopolitical events.
NON‐IMMUNOLOGICAL RELEASE OF SLOW‐REACTING SUBSTANCE FROM GUINEA‐PIG LUNGS
Authors: PIPER PRISCILLA J. , SEALE J.P.
Published: October 2023

During incubation with calcium ionophore A23187, sensitized and unsensitized guinea‐pig chopped lung released a slow‐reacting substance (SRS) and histamine.

SRS possessed many characteristics of slow‐reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS‐A). It was inactivated by arylsulphatase, antagonized by FPL55712 (1 μg/ml) and more stable in alkali than acid. Furthermore, it behaved like SRS‐A by stimulating arachidonic acid metabolism in guinea‐pig isolated perfused lungs.

Maximal ionophore generation of SRS in sensitized lung was greater than maximal anaphylactic generation of SRS‐A but the release of histamine was not significantly different. Simultaneous challenge with antigen and ionophore produced more SRS‐like or SRS‐A‐like activity than either stimulus alone.

These results have shown a non‐immunological release from guinea‐pig lung of SRS which was similar (or possibly identical) to SRS‐A. It is suggested that in addition to mast cells, other cell types may be involved.
SOME PROPERTIES OF 5‐HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE RECEPTORS IN THE HINDQUARTERS OF THE RAT
Authors: COOPER MARIE , WYLLIE JOHN H.
Published: October 2023

The rat hindquarter preparation, as described, responds with reproducible vasoconstriction to noradrenaline and tryptamines.

The receptors involved in these responses are distinct.

Evidence of heterogeneity of tryptamine receptors was not obtained.

The 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) antagonists, methysergide and cyproheptadine, although very potent, displayed antagonism of a non‐competitive type whereas a series of phenothiazines and phentolamine displayed competitive antagonism against 5‐HT.

For the phenothiazines the order of increasing potency was promazine < chlorpromazine < triflupromazine.
α2‐ADRENOCEPTORS MEDIATE CLONIDINE‐INDUCED SEDATION IN THE RAT
Authors: DREW G.M. , GOWER ALMA J. , MARRIOTT A.S.
Published: October 2023

The central α‐adrenoceptors responsible for mediating clonidine‐induced sedation in rats have been characterized according to their sensitivity to α‐adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists.

Clonidine, injected intraperitoneally or intracerebroventricularly, caused dose‐dependent sedation, both in terms of a reduction in the time that rats could remain on an accelerating rotarod and in terms of overt sedation assessed visually. Following intracerebroventricular injection, xylazine, naphazoline and methoxamine, but not phenylephrine, produced similar effects.

The sedation caused by intraperitoneal injection of clonidine was antagonized by intracerebroventricularly injected phentolamine, yohimbine, piperoxan and tolazoline but not by labetalol, thymoxamine or prazosin.

The relative potencies of the agonists in causing sedation and of the antagonists in inhibiting the sedative effect of clonidine clearly demonstrated that the central α‐adrenoceptors mediating clonidine‐induced sedation are the same as the peripheral presynaptic α2‐adrenoceptors.

All the α‐adrenoceptor agonists caused hypothermia after intracerebroventricular injection, but their order of potency was different from that in producing sedation. The hypothermic effect of intraperitoneally injected clonidine was little affected by any of the antagonists administered intracerebroventricularly. No conclusions could be drawn concerning the type of receptor responsible for mediating hypothermia.
A hypotensive protocol of inspiratory muscle strength training: Systematic review and meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Li Wenjing , Zhu Xiaoping , Wang Xinai , Liu Hao , Liu Jingying , Xiao Hongling , Dong Liang , Wang Chenqi , Wu Yaxuan
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypotensive effect and optimal protocol of inspiratory muscle resistance training (IMST). Randomized controlled trials using IMST to lower blood pressure (BP) were retrieved from 12 databases as of July 2022. A meta‐analysis of BP and heart rate variability (HRV) was performed and a trial sequence analysis was performed using trial sequential analysis (TSA) software. Twelve articles (n = 386 participants) from five countries were included, with a mean quality score of 5.83. IMST achieved significant results in reducing systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (−7.93 [−12.08, −3.78]; −3.80 [−6.08, −1.53]; −4.90 [−13.76, 3.96]). Furthermore, TSA has shown that the findings for systolic and diastolic BP are conclusive. Finally, considerable variation remained between studies when analyzing HRV. The overall hypotensive effect of IMST was demonstrated by the TSA and was well tolerated in different populations. Of these, two interventions, high resistance or low resistance combined with slow breathing, showed the best efficacy under an 8‐week exercise intervention. In addition, the process of lowering BP by modulating sympathetic vagal activity has not been further confirmed in this study. Future long‐term interventions, especially those over 3 months, are needed to observe the prolonged antihypertensive effects and modulatory mechanisms; controlling for variables such as respiratory rate and executing more rigorous studies to further explore antihypertensive options.
The role of maternal hormones in regulating autonomic functions during pregnancy
Authors: Georgescu T.
Published: October 2023

Offspring development relies on numerous physiological changes that occur in a mother's body, with hormones driving many of these adaptations. Amongst these, the physiological functions controlled by the autonomic nervous system are required for the mother to survive and are adjusted to meet the demands of the growing foetus and to ensure a successful birth. The hormones oestrogen, progesterone, and lactogenic hormones rise significantly during pregnancy, suggesting they may also play a role in regulating the maternal adaptations linked to autonomic nervous system functions, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory functions. Indeed, expression of pregnancy hormone receptors spans multiple brain regions known to regulate these physiological functions. This review examines how respiratory, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory functions are controlled by these pregnancy hormones by focusing on their action on central nervous system circuits. Inadequate adaptations in these systems during pregnancy can give rise to several pregnancy complications, highlighting the importance in understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of these changes and potentially identifying ways to treat pregnancy‐associated afflictions using hormones.
Is proximity better? The geographical proximity of financial resources and green innovation
Authors: Sheng Jichuan , Ding Rui
Published: October 2023

The agglomeration of financial resources is generally considered to encourage business practices that promote green innovation. In addition, green innovation is also subject to firms' location and may exhibit significant spatial effects. However, most studies failed to consider the complex association between financial resources and green innovation from the lens of geographical proximity. This paper scrutinizes the influence of geographical proximity of financial resources on green innovation with the case of Chinese listed firms. It critically examines the role of trade‐offs between competitive and substitution effects triggered by geographical proximity in this complex relationship. The findings demonstrate that the geographical proximity of financial resources affects firms' trade‐offs between competitive and substitution effects, changing their green innovation activities. In addition, green innovation and distance to financial centers have an inverted U‐shaped association, suggesting an optimal location between the firm and financial centers conducive to green innovation. Finally, internal ownership reinforces the effect of geographical proximity of financial resources on green innovation, while external environmental regulation weakens this effect. Therefore, this paper extends the existing green innovation theory from the lens of geographic proximity. This can help us better understand the influence of geographic proximity of financial resources on green innovation.
Rapid evolution of novel biotic interactions in the UK Brown Argus butterfly uses genomic variation from across its geographical range
Authors: de Jong Maaike , van Rensburg Alexandra Jansen , Whiteford Samuel , Yung Carl J. , Beaumont Mark , Jiggins Chris , Bridle Jon
Published: October 2023

Understanding the rate and extent to which populations can adapt to novel environments at their ecological margins is fundamental to predicting the persistence of biological communities during ongoing and rapid global change. Recent range expansion in response to climate change in the UK butterfly Aricia agestis is associated with the evolution of novel interactions with a larval food plant, and the loss of its ability to use an ancestral host species. Using ddRAD analysis of 61,210 variable SNPs from 261 females from throughout the UK range of this species, we identify genomic regions at multiple chromosomes that are associated with evolutionary responses, and their association with demographic history and ecological variation. Gene flow appears widespread throughout the range, despite the apparently fragmented nature of the habitats used by this species. Patterns of haplotype variation between selected and neutral genomic regions suggest that evolution associated with climate adaptation is polygenic, resulting from the independent spread of alleles throughout the established range of this species, rather than the colonization of pre‐adapted genotypes from coastal populations. These data suggest that rapid responses to climate change do not depend on the availability of pre‐adapted genotypes. Instead, the evolution of novel forms of biotic interaction in A. agestis has occurred during range expansion, through the assembly of novel genotypes from alleles from multiple localities.
Transcription factor CreA is involved in the inverse regulation of biofilm formation and asexual development through distinct pathways in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Liu Shuai , Lu Xiaoyan , Dai Mengyao , Zhang Shizhu
Published: October 2023

The exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) contributes to biofilm formation and virulence in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Increasing evidence indicates that GAG production is inversely linked with asexual development. However, the mechanisms underlying this regulatory relationship are unclear. In this study, we found that the dysfunction of CreA, a conserved transcription factor involved in carbon catabolite repression in many fungal species, causes abnormal asexual development (conidiation) under liquid‐submerged culture conditions specifically in the presence of glucose. The loss of creA decreased GAG production independent of carbon sources. Furthermore, CreA contributed to asexual development and GAG production via distinct pathways. CreA promoted A. fumigatus GAG production by positively regulating GAG biosynthetic genes (uge3 and agd3). CreA suppressed asexual development in glucose liquid‐submerged culture conditions via central conidiation genes (brlA, abaA, and wetA) and their upstream activators (flbC and flbD). Restoration of brlA expression to the wild‐type level by flbC or flbD deletion abolished the abnormal submerged conidiation in the creA null mutant but did not restore GAG production. The C‐terminal region of CreA was crucial for the suppression of asexual development, and the repressive domain contributed to GAG production. Overall, CreA is involved in GAG production and asexual development in an inverse manner.
The prognostic factors for cryptococcal meningitis in non‐human immunodeficiency virus patients: An observational study using nationwide database
Authors: Namie Hotaka , Takazono Takahiro , Hidaka Yusuke , Morimoto Shimpei , Ito Yuya , Nakada Nana , Ashizawa Nobuyuki , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takeda Kazuaki , Iwanaga Naoki , Tashiro Masato , Hosogaya Naoki , Tanaka Takeshi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yanagihara Katsunori , Mukae Hiroshi , Izumikawa Koichi
Published: October 2023

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an invasive fungal infection with a poor prognosis that often occurs in both healthy individuals and compromised hosts, such as patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Unlike CM in HIV patients, evidence regarding CM in non‐HIV patients is limited to small retrospective studies.

Objective

To identify the pretreatment prognostic factors for CM in non‐HIV patients.

Methods

We conducted a large retrospective analysis of CM in non‐HIV patients using data from a nationwide Japanese database. The study included hospitalized patients diagnosed with CM between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2017. All‐cause mortality was compared between patients with CM with and without HIV infection. Poor diagnostic factors were analysed in the non‐HIV CM group.

Results

Overall, 533 (64 HIV and 469 non‐HIV) patients met the criteria. The mortality rate at 90 days was significantly lower in the HIV group (6.3% vs. 25.4% p = .0002). In a logistic regression analysis of the non‐HIV group, age ≥ 65 y (odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% CI 1.17–4.78), impaired consciousness (Japan Coma Scale ≥1) (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.29–3.93), haemodialysis (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.12–11.20) and previous corticosteroid usage (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.37–4.19) were associated with poor prognosis at 30 days after diagnosis.

Conclusion

More caution is suggested when treating non‐HIV with CM in older patients with impaired consciousness, previous corticosteroid usage and haemodialysis.