bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of authentic leadership on individual and team creativity: a multilevel perspective
Authors: Lei Shen , Qin Cuijuan , Ali Muhammad , Freeman Susan , Shi-Jie Zheng
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a multilevel conceptual model which explains how authentic leadership (AL), through an innovative team atmosphere and promotion of self-efficacy, influences creativity. The study delineates two pathways from AL to creativity. The first pathway is an indirect effect through an innovative atmosphere at the team level and self-efficacy at the individual level, while the second pathway focuses on the moderating effect of AL between self-efficacy and individual creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 58 team leaders and 283 employees in a creative industry park in the Yangtze River Delta region from China. Path analysis was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses using the statistical package M-plus (v. 7).

Findings

The results reveal that AL is an important antecedent of creativity. Furthermore, an innovation-based atmosphere at the team level mediates the theorized relationship between AL and individual creativity. However, creative self-efficacy at the individual level does not mediate this relationship. Finally, the study found that AL moderates the relationship between creative self-efficacy and individual creativity.

Originality/value

The implications of this study highlight important considerations for enterprises in creative industry parks within and beyond China. This study provides industry leaders with a clearer and more insightful and coherent means of understanding the mediating mechanism between AL and creativity, and the moderating effects of AL between individual self-efficacy and creativity through a new linkage model.
Employee stock ownership and value creation: evidence from system GMM estimates
Authors: Garfatta Riadh , Zorgati Imen
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper attempts to examine the nature of the relationship between employee stock ownership (ESO) and value creation in the context of shareholder governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample includes 129 French CAC All-Tradable index companies observed from 2015 to 2019. The system generalised moment (GMM) estimator (Blundell and Bond, 1998) is used in the dynamic panel.

Findings

The results estimated from the system GMM model show a threshold effect in the ESO–value creation relationship. For an employee shareholding ratio less than 3%, ESO has a positive impact on value creation; above this level, the impact becomes negative. Furthermore, the nature of the relationship largely depends on the form of employee shareholding.

Research limitations/implications

These results are with strong economic implications. The risk of CEO entrenchment increases with the rise in share parts owned by employees. Companies with high shareholder value creation are companies with low employee ownership.

Originality/value

The main contribution in this study is that the form of ESO was considered in our analysis, which was not done in previous research. Another contribution is the use of recent data (2015–2019), which takes into account the large-scale development of French ESO practices, especially the absence of crises that may bias the results.
Comparative suitability for promotion: ethical transgressions, culture and a third dimension of appraisal
Authors: Morrisette Shelley , Oberman William , Hunt Irma
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper looks at the relationship between judgments of ethical behavior and organizational promotion prospects. The purpose of this study is to examine if an independent dimension of ethical performance should be recognized. When managers and others in organizations compare candidates for promotion or other organization rewards, what role is played by information about the candidates’ previous ethical behavior? Are all prior ethical transgressions perceived in the same light or do some types carry more weight for organizational rewards? And, how do organizational values effect these evaluations?

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed which asked respondents to rank a set of six candidates for a promotion. All candidates were said to be qualified for the promotion, but each was described differently in terms of past ethical transgressions. While information about a candidate’s prior ethical behavior is expected to be impactful for promotion consideration in the general population as well as among members of religious-oriented businesses, types of ethical transgressions may be weighted differently by the two groups. The survey was administered to a sample of 204 employees of business organizations at all levels obtained through a survey research firm, as well as a sample of 52 employees of organizations in the Christian publishing industry. Nonparametric statistics were used to analyze the results. A comparison was made between the respondents sourced through the research firm, seen as representing the general population, and those from the Christian-oriented group.

Findings

Ethical transgressions were weighted differently by each group. And some transgressions were deemed more unethical than others. Overall, our work suggests that ethical transgressions can matter with regard to promotability. Differences between the groups of respondents from the general population and the group representing Christian-based firms are discussed.

Practical implications

This paper focused on the selection for promotion of six candidates, ranked by two groups. As expected, the ethical transgressions were weighted differently by each group. And some transgressions were deemed more unethical than others. Overall, this work suggests that ethical transgressions can matter with regard to promotability. This research contributes to practical implications within organizations.

Originality/value

Only a few studies have looked directly at the relationship between judgments of ethical behavior and organizational promotion prospects. These have focused on ethical leaders rather than rank and file employees. In a study of ethical leadership and promotability, Rubin et al. (2010) found that managers rated high on ethical leadership by their subordinates are more likely to be viewed by senior managers as eventually promotable to senior leadership than those who were not – although they were no more likely to receive a promotion in the near term.
Putting members in the centre: examining credit union accountability as member-based social enterprises
Authors: Sumarwan Antonius , Luke Belinda , Furneaux Craig
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how accountability to members is practised within credit unions. In particular, this study examines formal and informal practices and underlying approaches regarding accountability to members.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a case study approach, this study explores accountability within two credit unions in the lightly-regulated context of Indonesia through focus group discussions with credit union practitioners and documentary analysis.

Findings

Findings reveal both credit unions prioritised accountability to members for financial and social performance, underpinned by a socialising, relational approach and driven by a strong sense of social mission. Various mechanisms were adopted to directly address accountability to and empowerment of members, facilitating their participation and education. Further, several mechanisms of and approaches to accountability to other stakeholders indirectly enhanced the credit unions’ accountability to members.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the interrelated nature of credit unions’ accountability mechanisms to members. Further, empowerment through participation, education and small business development, suggests valuable investment in members’ social, intellectual and financial capital.

Originality/value

This study examines the socialising nature of accountability to credit union members and other stakeholders to support members’ interests, providing insights into how third sector organisations more broadly might enhance accountability to those the organisation seeks to serve.
Impact of post‐harvest processing or thermal dehydration on physiochemical, nutritional and sensory quality of shiitake mushrooms
Authors: Subramaniam Shankar , Jiao Shunshan , Zhang Zhentao , Jing Pu
Published: March 2021

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular and highly consumed mushrooms worldwide both in fresh and dry forms. However, it rapidly starts losing its quality immediately after harvest which necessitates processing and/or proper storage before being distributed. However, the processes used for preserving other mushrooms (e.g., Agaricus) become unviable for shiitake due to its uniqueness (higher respiration rate, varied biochemicals, growth, etc.) which demands individual studies on shiitake. This review starts by listing the factors and their interdependence leading to a quality decline in shiitake after harvest. Understanding well about these factors, numerous post‐harvest operations preserve shiitake as fresh form for a shorter period and as dried forms for a longer shelf‐life. These processes also affect the intrinsic quality and nutrients of shiitake. This review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the effects of chemical processing (washing, fumigation, coating, and ozone), modified atmosphere packaging (including irradiation) on the quality of fresh shiitake while discussing their efficiency in extending their shelf‐life by inhibiting microbial spoilage and deterioration in quality including texture, appearance, nutrients, and favor. It also reviews the impact of thermal dehydration on the quality of dried shiitake mushrooms, especially the acquired unique textural, nutritional, and aromatic properties along with their merits and limitations. Since shiitake are preferred to be low‐cost consumer products, the applicability of freeze‐drying and sophisticated novel methodologies, which prove to be expensive and/or complex, are discussed. The review also outlines the challenges and proposes the subsequent future directives, which either retains/enhances the desirable quality in shiitake mushrooms.
Effects of Bt rice expressing Cry1Ac on ecological functional guilds and community of non‐target insects
Authors: Lee Sue Yeon
Published: March 2021

A 2‐year field study was conducted to assess the effects of a Bt‐rice line Cr7–1, (Japonica rice cultivar Nakdong) expressing a transgenic Cry1Ac1 gene, which is highly insecticidal against all larval stages of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), compared with an isogenic rice line (Japonica rice cultivar Nakdong). We investigated the community structure of insects with a sweep net and suction device in Bt and non‐Bt rice fields during the rice growing season in 2007 and 2008 in Chungcheongnam‐do, Korea. Two sampling methods, suction and sweeping, were used considering the habitat, behavior, and vertical distribution of insects in this study. A total of 43 families in 10 orders were identified from 64,099 collected insects and classified into four ecological functional guilds: (i) Herbivores; (ii) Predators; (iii) Parasitoids, and (iv) Detritivores, based on their ecosystem service. The temporal patterns of insect family richness, abundance, and Shannon's index were very similar between Bt and non‐Bt rice, although significant differences were observed on a few occasions. In ecological functional guilds, abundance of herbivores and predators were significantly different between Bt and non‐Bt rice, but there was no consistent trend in the 2 years. Overall, insect community structure, including diversity, abundance, and dominant families, was not significantly different between Bt and non‐Bt rice. The results indicated that the transgenic Cry1Ac rice assessed in this study had no adverse effects on the rice insect community structure and ecological functional guilds in rice fields.
Strata Architectural Variability and Facies Distribution in a Structural Transfer Zone: A Case Study of Fushan Sag, Northern South China Sea
Authors: FU Chao , YU Xinghe , CHEN Weitong , REN Guiyuan , LIU Desheng
Published: March 2021

Structural transfer zones in a half‐graben rift basin play a significant role in controlling sandy sediments and providing a target for hydrocarbon exploration. Previous studies have classified the transfer zone in lacustrine environments into two different patterns: synthetic approaching transfer zones and synthetic overlapping transfer zones. However· the evolution of the depositional pattern and the controlling factors of the above transfer zones are still unclear. In the Fushan Sag· the northern South China Sea· an overlapping transfer zone developed in the early Eocene Epoch· while a synthetic approaching transfer zone developed in the late Eocene· due to tectonic uplift. This evolutionary process provided an opportunity to study the stacking pattern of strata architectural variability and facies distribution in the structural transfer zone of the Eocene lacustrine basin. In this study· following the indications of the oriented sedimentary structures in core samples and heavy mineral assemblages of 18 wells, the evolution of the paleo‐hydrodynamic distribution during the early and late Eocene has been reconstructed. The sequence‐stratigraphy was then divided and the sand body parameters calculated, according to the seismic data and well log interpretations. During the early Eocene, the lake level was at a low stand, the faults broken displacement in the East block being over 50 m. The prograding delta and turbidites are oriented perpendicular to the structural transfer zone. According to the quantitative analysis of the flow rate and the depositional parameters, we speculate that gravity transportation of the sediment and the sediment‐supply are the dominating factors during this period. Up to the late Eocene, the rising lake level and the decreased fault displacement leads the flow to divert to a NE‐direction, resulting in it being parallel to the axis of the transfer zone. Thus, we speculate that the accommodation space is predominant in this period. In comparison with the above two periods, a braided river delta with an isolated sand body and turbidites developing in the deep area is prominent in the overlapping transfer zone, while a meandering river delta is characteristic of the synthetic approaching transfer zone.
Rudists (Bivalvia) from a Cretaceous Platform in Northern Egypt: Taxonomy and Paleobiogeography
Authors: SALAMA Yasser , AJAREM Jamaan S. , ALLAM Ahmed A. , ALMALKI Ahmed M.
Published: March 2021

New well‐preserved rudist materials come from the Barremian–Turonian marine formations in the Yelleg, Minsherah, Maaza, and Raghawi sections in North Sinai, northern Egypt. There, 17 discovered rudist species belonging to 13 genera and seven taxonomic families are described in detail as follows: Eoradiolites plicatus (Conrad), Eoradiolites liratus (Conrad), Praeradiolites ponsianus (d'Archiac), Archaeoradiolites sp., Bournonia africana Douvillé, Bournonia fourtaui Douvillé, Biradiolites lombricalis (d'Orbigny), Biradiolites zumoffeni Douvillé, Radiolites lewyi lewyi Parnes, Radiolites sauvagesi (d'Hombres‐Firmas), Durania arnaudi (Choffat), Toucasia carinata (Matheron), Toucasia sp., Neocaprina raghawiensis Steuber and Bachmann, Sellaea sp., Ichthyosarcolites sp. and Horoiopleura sp.. The Cenomanian deposits in the northern Eastern desert of Egypt only contain E. liratus. The domination of the Cenomanian rudist species in North Sinai, however, is attributed to changes in the platform, which passes mainly from carbonate in the north to siliciclastics in the south. The presence of Horiopleura sp. in the late Barremian–early Aptian deposits is documented for the first time, which suggests the expansion of taxa of the genus Horiopleura Douvillé to North Sinai during this interval. The age of the rudist species is documented from the late Barremian–Turonian formations, with their geographic distribution in the Mediterranean region considered.
Clinical recommendations for perioperative immunotherapy‐induced adverse events in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ni Jun , Huang Miao , Zhang Li , Wu Nan , Bai Chun‐Xue , Chen Liang‐An , Liang Jun , Liu Qian , Wang Jie , Wu Yi‐Long , Zhang Feng‐Chun , Zhang Shu‐Yang , Chen Chun , Chen Jun , Fang Wen‐Tao , Gao Shu‐Geng , Hu Jian , Jiang Tao , Li Shan‐Qing , Li He‐Cheng , Liao Yong‐De , Liu Yang , Liu De‐Ruo , Liu Hong‐Xu , Liu Jian‐Yang , Liu Lun‐Xu , Wang Meng‐Zhao , Wang Chang‐Li , Yang Fan , Yang Yue , Zhang Lan‐Jun , Zhi Xiu‐Yi , Zhong Wen‐Zhao , Guan Yu‐Zhou , Guo Xiao‐Xiao , He Chun‐Xia , Li Shao‐Lei , Li Yue , Liang Nai‐Xin , Lu Fang‐Liang , Lv Chao , Lv Wei , Si Xiao‐Yan , Tan Feng‐Wei , Wang Han‐Ping , Wang Jiang‐Shan , Yan Shi , Yang Hua‐Xia , Zhu Hui‐Juan , Zhuang Jun‐Ling , Zhuo Ming‐Lei
Published: March 2021

Perioperative adjuvant treatment has become an increasingly important aspect of the management of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In particular, the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as antibodies against PD‐1 and PD‐L1, in patients with lung cancer has increased our expectations for the success of these therapeutics as neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Neoadjuvant therapy is widely used in patients with resectable stage IIIA NSCLC and can reduce primary tumor and lymph node stage, improve the complete resection rate, and eliminate microsatellite foci; however, complete pathological response is rare. Moreover, because the clinical benefit of neoadjuvant therapy is not obvious and may complicate surgery, it has not yet entered the mainstream of clinical treatment. Small‐scale clinical studies performed in recent years have shown improvements in the major pathological remission rate after neoadjuvant therapy, suggesting that it will soon become an important part of NSCLC treatment. Nevertheless, neoadjuvant immunotherapy may be accompanied by serious adverse reactions that lead to delay or cancellation of surgery, additional illness, and even death, and have therefore attracted much attention. In this article, we draw on several sources of information, including (i) guidelines on adverse reactions related to immune checkpoint inhibitors, (ii) published data from large‐scale clinical studies in thoracic surgery, and (iii) practical experience and published cases, to provide clinical recommendations on adverse events in NSCLC patients induced by perioperative immunotherapy.
NELF‐A controls Drosophila healthspan by regulating heat‐shock protein‐mediated cellular protection and heterochromatin maintenance
Authors: Ngian Zhen‐Kai , Lin Wei‐Qi , Ong Chin‐Tong
Published: March 2021

NELF‐mediated pausing of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) constitutes a crucial step in transcription regulation. However, it remains unclear how control release of RNAPII pausing can affect the epigenome and regulate important aspects of animal physiology like aging. We found that NELF‐A dosage regulates Drosophila healthspan: Halving NELF‐A level in the heterozygous mutants or via neuronal‐specific RNAi depletion improves their locomotor activity, stress resistance, and lifespan significantly. Conversely, NELF‐A overexpression shortens fly lifespan drastically. Mechanistically, lowering NELF‐A level facilitates the release of paused RNAPII for productive transcription of the heat‐shock protein (Hsp) genes. The elevated HSPs expression in turn attenuates the accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates, reactive oxidative species, DNA damage and systemic inflammation in the brains of aging NELF‐A depleted flies as compared to their control siblings. This pro‐longevity effect is unique to NELF‐A due to its higher expression level and more efficient pausing of RNAPII than other NELF subunits. Importantly, enhanced resistance to oxidative stress in NELF‐A heterozygous mutants is highly conserved such that knocking down its level in human SH‐SY5Y cells attenuates hydrogen peroxide‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Depleting NELF‐A reconfigures the epigenome through the maintenance of H3K9me2‐enriched heterochromatin during aging, leading to the repression of specific retrotransposons like Gypsy‐1 in the brains of NELF‐A mutants. Taken together, we showed that the dosage of neuronal NELF‐A affects multiple aspects of aging in Drosophila by regulating transcription of Hsp genes in the brains, suggesting that targeting transcription elongation might be a viable therapeutic strategy against age‐onset diseases like neurodegeneration.
SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) vaccination in dermatology patients on immunomodulatory and biologic agents: Recommendations from the Australasian Medical Dermatology Group
Authors: Wang Charlie , Rademaker Marius , Tate Bruce , Baker Christopher , Foley Peter
Published: March 2021

As the phase III COVID‐19 vaccine trials excluded patients on immunosuppressive treatments, or patients with significant autoimmunity, the Australasian Medical Dermatology Group make the following preliminary recommendations around COVID‐19 vaccination in dermatology patients on immunomodulatory and/or biologic agents.

Vaccination against COVID‐19 is strongly encouraged for all patients on immunomodulatory drugs and/or biologic agents.

There are currently insufficient data to recommend one COVID‐19 vaccine or vaccine type (mRNA, recombinant, inactivated virus) over another.

No specific additional risk in patients on immunomodulatory or biologic therapies has so far been identified.

Data on vaccine efficacy in patients on immunomodulatory or biologic therapies are missing, so standard vaccination protocols are recommended until otherwise advised.
The University of Crisis
Authors: Cook Paul
Published: March 2021

This article explores the history of the university as a modern social institution through the epistemological framework of crisis. Starting from the historical understanding that the university has always‐already been in the throes of crisis, and that such crisis (or crises) are cemented into the conceptual architecture of both the university itself and the inherently promiscuous nature of knowledge in society, this exploration of the university in crisis endeavors to show how crisis is as old as knowledge itself. Building on the insights of such social theorists and historians of the university as Samuel Weber, Bill Readings, Jean‐Francois Lyotard, and Gregg Lambert, my hope is to draw out from these writers the intellectual sustenance that is sorely needed (and largely lacking) in today’s discourse on the “university of crisis.”
The Crisis in Public Higher Education: A New Perspective
Authors: Cebula Richard J. , Koch James V.
Published: March 2021

Public higher education in the United States is being challenged, as never before, by numerous conditions that need to be addressed if the public college and university systems are to survive and fulfill their responsibilities to the American public. Student enrollment at these institutions has been on a significant downward trend for a full decade. There has been a discernible decline in the esteem with which the American public holds higher education. There are numerous dimensions to this phenomenon. In this brief article, we focus on only three dimensions of the problem: escalating college costs; mounting student debt; and the failures of boards of trustees to act as fiduciaries representing the interests of students, parents, and citizens. Once we address these issues broadly, we offer feasible solutions that could improve the circumstances surrounding public higher education and enable it to chart a new course.
Can Popular Sovereignty Be Represented? Jacobinism from Radical Democracy to Populism
Authors: Rousselière Geneviève
Published: March 2021

Contemporary studies mostly understand populism as a reaction to the failures of representative liberal democracies. Yet populism existed at the very inception of modern democracy before it became liberal. I contend that, during the French Revolution, conflicting claims of popular sovereignty gave rise to populism, which was instantiated in the Jacobin theory of Robespierre. The rapid transformation of Jacobinism in the years of the attempted birth of modern democracy (1789–94) tracks the theoretical question at the heart of populism: How can sovereignty be represented for a divided people that have yet to be united in order to exist?
Searching for common technological features of 19th–20th‐century mosaic mortars ascribed to the Neuhauser company
Authors: Bauerová P. , Kracík Štorkánová M. , Mácová P. , Pavlíková M. , Scheinherrová L. , Keppert M.
Published: March 2021

Mortar beds of four late 19th‐century mosaics from the Czech Republic and one mosaic from Austria were investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) to search for common materials’ features supporting the hypothesis of their origin in the Austrian workshop of the Neuhauser company. A significant similarity of mortars from three Czech (Prague) mosaics was found. They contained 12–21 wt% linseed oil. Their technology was based on traditional 17th‐century recipes. Their Austrian origin seems highly probable. Two remaining mortar beds differed not only from the Prague mosaics but also from each other.
Late Pleistocene to Holocene vegetation and climate changes in northwestern Chukotka (Far East Russia) deduced from lakes Ilirney and Rauchuagytgyn pollen records
Authors: Andreev Andrei A. , Raschke Elena , Biskaborn Boris K. , Vyse Stuart A. , Courtin Jeremy , Böhmer Thomas , Stoof‐Leichsenring Kathleen , Kruse Stefan , Pestryakova Lyudmila A. , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: March 2021

This paper presents two new pollen records and quantitative climate reconstructions from northern Chukotka documenting environmental changes over the last 27.9 ka. Open tundra‐ and steppe‐like habitats dominated between 27.9 and 18.7 cal. ka BP. Betula and Alnus shrubs might have grown in sheltered microhabitats but disappeared after 18.7 cal. ka BP. Although the climate was rather harsh, local herb‐dominated communities supported herbivores as is evident by the presence of coprophilous spores in the sediments. The increase in Salix and Cyperaceae ~16.1 cal. ka BP suggests climate amelioration. Shrub Betula appeared ~15.9 cal. ka BP, and became dominant after ~15.52 cal. ka BP, whilst typical steppe communities drastically reduced. Very high presence of Botryococcus in the Lateglacial sediments reflects widespread shallow habitats, probably due to lake level increase. Shrub Alnus became common after ~13 cal. ka BP reflecting further climate amelioration. Simultaneously, herb communities gradually decreased in the vegetation reaching a minimum ~11.8 cal. ka BP. A gradual decrease of algae remains suggests a reduction of shallow‐water habitats. Shrubby and graminoid tundra was dominant ~11.8–11.1 cal. ka BP, later Salix stands significantly decreased. The forest‐tundra ecotone established in the Early Holocene, shortly after 11.1 cal. ka BP. Low contents of green algae in the Early Holocene sediments likely reflect deeper aquatic conditions. The most favourable climate conditions were between ~10.6 and 7 cal. ka BP. Vegetation became similar to the modern after ~7 cal. ka BP but Pinus pumila came to the Ilirney area at about 1.2 cal. ka BP. It is important to emphasize that the study area provided refugia for Betula and Alnus during MIS 2. It is also notable that our records do not reflect evidence of Younger Dryas cooling, which is inconsistent with some regional environmental records but in good accordance with some others.
Oxoglaucine mediates Ca2+ influx and activates autophagy to alleviate osteoarthritis through the TRPV5/calmodulin/CAMK‐II pathway
Authors: Zhong Gang , Long Huiping , Chen Fei , Yu Yin
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

Stimulation of calcium influx and suppression of autophagy play important roles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, we used a novel inhibitor of TRPV5 cation channels ‐ oxoglaucine to attenuate progression of deterioration and pathological changes in OA patient‐derived chondrocytes and OA animal model, by activating autophagy.

Experimental Approach

Inhibition by oxoglaucine of calcium influx was assessed in cells.. Analyses were also carried out to investigate the effect of oxoglaucine on OA by detection of anti‐inflammatory response, TRPV5/CAMK‐II/calmodulin pathway, autophagy, and cartilage protection both in vitro and in vivo. demonstrated by macroscopic evaluation and histological findings.

Key Results

Oxoglaucine suppressed expression of proinflammatory and apoptosis‐related proteins, including TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, MMP‐13, CASP‐3, and BAX, and prevented matrix degradation in OA chondrocytes. It also successfully blocked Ca2+ influx, activating autophagy dose‐dependently asshown by up‐regulated expression of LC‐3II/I, Beclin‐1, ATG5, ATG7, higher autophagic influx and formation of autophagic vesicles. It also decreased expression of mRNA and protein of TRPV5, CAMK‐II, and calmodulin. Conversely, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, anagonist of TRPV5 channels, reversed the oxoglaucine‐induced calcium influx inhibition and autophagy activation, demonstrating the association of oxoglaucine with TRPV5. Further, oxoglaucine prevented the apoptosis and matrix degradation of articular cartilage in a rat model of OA.

Conclusion and Implications

Oxoglaucine protects against cartilage damage by blocking the TRPV5/CAMK‐II/calmodulin pathway to inhibit Ca2+ influx and activate autophagy. Our results indicate that oxoglaucine has the potential to become a candidate drug for treatment of OA.
Protopanaxadiol alleviates neuropathic pain by spinal microglial dynorphin A expression following glucocorticoid receptor activation
Authors: Shoaib Rana Muhammad , Ahmad Khalil Ali , Wang Yong‐Xiang
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

New remedies are required for the treatment of neuropathic pain due to insufficient efficacy of available therapies. This study provides a novel approach to develop painkillers for chronic pain treatment.

Experimental Approach

The rat formalin pain test and spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain were used to evaluate antinociception of protopanaxadiol. Primary cell cultures, immunofluorescence staining, and gene and protein expression were also performed for mechanism studies.

Key Results

Gavage protopanaxadiol remarkably produces pain antihypersensitive effects in neuropathic pain, bone cancer pain and inflammatory pain, with efficacy comparable with gabapentin. Long‐term PPD administration does not induce antihypersensitive tolerance, but prevents and reverses the development and expression of morphine analgesic tolerance. Oral protopanaxadiol specifically stimulates spinal expression of dynorphin A in microglia but not in astrocytes or neurons. Protopanaxadiol gavage‐related pain antihypersensitivity is abolished by the intrathecal pretreatment with the microglial metabolic inhibitor minocycline, dynorphin antiserum or specific κ‐opioid receptor antagonist GNTI. Intrathecal pretreatment with glucocorticoid receptor)antagonists RU486 and dexamethasone‐21‐mesylate, but not GPR‐30 antagonist G15 or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone, completely attenuates protopanaxadiol‐induced spinal dynorphin A expression and pain antihypersensitivity in neuropathic pain. Treatment with protopanaxadiol, the glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone and membrane‐impermeable glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone‐BSA in cultured microglia induces remarkable dynorphin A expression, which is totally blocked by pretreatment with dexamthasone‐21‐mesylate.

Conclusion and Implications

All the results, for the first time, indicate that protopanaxadiol produces pain antihypersensitivity in neuropathic pain probably through spinal microglial dynorphin A expression after glucocorticoid receptor activation and hypothesize that microglial membrane glucocorticoid receptor/dynorphin A pathway is a potential target to discover and develop novel painkillers in chronic pain.
Objective evaluation of biomaterial effects after injection laryngoplasty – Introduction of artificial intelligence‐based ultrasonic image analysis
Authors: Tseng Wen‐Hsuan , Lee Ming‐Sui , Wang Che‐Chai , Chen Yong‐Wei , Hsiao Tzu‐Yu , Yang Tsung‐Lin
Published: March 2021

Objective

Hyaluronic acid (HA) can be degraded over time. However, persistence of the effects after injection laryngoplasty (IL) for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), longer than expected from HA longevity, has been observed. The purpose of the study was to develop a methodology with clinical utility for objective evaluation of the temporal change in HA volume after IL using artificial intelligence (AI)‐based ultrasonic assessment.

Design, setting and participants

Imaging phantoms simulating injected HA were built in different volumes for designing the algorithm for machine learning. Subsequently, five adult patients who had undergone IL with HA for UVFP were recruited for clinical evaluation.

Main outcome measures

Estimated volumes were evaluated for injected HA by the automatic algorithm as well as voice outcomes at 2 weeks, and 2 and 6 months after IL.

Results

On imaging phantoms, contours on each frame were described well by the algorithm and the volume could be estimated accordingly. The error rates were 0%‐9.2%. Moreover, the resultant contours of the HA area were captured in detail for all participants. The estimated volume decreased to an average of 65.76% remaining at 2 months and to a minimal amount at 6 months while glottal closure remained improved.

Conclusion

The volume change of the injected HA over time for an individual was estimated non‐invasively by AI‐based ultrasonic image analysis. The prolonged effect after treatment, longer than HA longevity, was demonstrated objectively for the first time. The information is beneficial to achieve optimal cost‐effectiveness of IL and improve the life quality of the patients.
Effect of colourants on the optical characteristics and structure of Y2O3 stabilised tetragonal zirconia ceramic
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Wen Ning , Xue Chundong , Liu Zhaocen , Liang Zhuoran , Wang Bo , Zhao Lisheng , Dang Ruijie , Liao Ningfang , Dai Guanghai
Published: March 2021

The present study is to investigate the effect of metal oxides Fe2O3 and CeO2 on the optical characteristics and structure of Y2O3 stabilised tetragonal zirconia ceramic (Y‐TZP). It is found that the addition of Fe2O3 and CeO2 not only changes the colour of Y‐TZP, but also reduces the light transmittance. Meanwhile, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterisation and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis show that the combination of Y‐TZP and the colourant is stable and the structure is uniform. Our findings can improve the understanding of coloration of Y‐TZP by metal oxides, and support a quantitative assessment approach for aesthetic performance of dental restoration material.
Successful endoscopic submucosal dissection using the water pressure method for cervical esophageal cancer
Authors: Masunaga Teppei , Kato Motohiko , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: March 2021

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Data linkage and pain medication in people with cerebral palsy: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: García Jalón Elena Guiomar , Maguire Aideen , Perra Oliver , Gavin Anna , O’Reilly Dermot , Thurston Allen
Published: March 2021

Aim

To explore data linkage and pain medication as a proxy for pain, to assess differences in pain medication between the cerebral palsy (CP) and the general populations, and to identify factors associated with pain medication in CP.

Method

This cross‐sectional study linked the Northern Ireland CP Register and two administrative health care databases for people resident in Northern Ireland born between 1981 and 2008. Pain medication as a proxy was validated by replicating analyses from the Study of Participation of Children with Cerebral Palsy Living in Europe (SPARCLE) studies. Logistic regression compared pain medication in the CP and general populations. Multi‐level regression models assessed factors associated with pain medication in the CP cohort.

Results

The sample size was 701 075, of whom 1430 (0.2%) were people with CP. There were 358 969 males and 340 677 females in the general population, and 810 males and 620 females in the CP population, with an age range of 4 to 31 years in both groups. The validation exercise produced results similar to the SPARCLE studies. More people with CP received pain medication (61% vs 50.9%) and had twice the odds of being prescribed opioid analgesics (odds ratio [OR]=2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.32–3.40). Among those with CP, the odds of being prescribed pain medication were higher for: females (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.06–1.70), younger age (OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.02–2.51), Gross Motor Function Classification System level V (OR=2.60, 95% CI 1.52–4.47), seizures (OR=2.55, 95% CI 1.68–3.87), and higher deprivation score (OR=2.06, 95% CI 1.41–3.24).

Interpretation

Pain medication is an effective proxy for pain. More people with CP were prescribed pain medication than the general population. Pain medication for people with CP is not only dependent on physiological and clinical characteristics, but also environmental factors.

What this paper adds

Data linkage using pain medication as a proxy for experiencing pain is a valid method.

People with cerebral palsy (CP) are more likely to experience pain than the general population.

People with CP have over twice the odds of receiving opioids compared to the general population.

The odds of being prescribed pain medication were higher for females with CP.

Prescription of pain medication among those with CP is not only dependent on clinical characteristics, but also environmental factors.
Involvement of the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 in oral cancer cell invasion
Authors: Buranaphatthana Worakanya , Wu Shuangjiang , Makeudom Anupong , Sastraruji Thanapat , Supanchart Chayarop , Krisanaprakornkit Suttichai
Published: March 2021

The aims of this study were to determine the functional roles of the transmembrane glycoprotein, Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain‐containing protein 9 (ADAM 9), in the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and AKT and in the aggressiveness of oral cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were conducted to determine expression of ADAM 9 and the levels of EGFR phosphorylated at the tyrosine 1173 residue (p‐EGFRtyr1173) and AKT phosphorylated at the serine 473 residue (p‐AKTser473) in oral cancer tissues and in the oral cancer cell lines HN5, HN6, HN15, and HN008. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit expression of ADAM9 mRNA, and thus production of ADAM9 protein, in oral cancer cells. ADAM9‐knockdown cells were examined for p‐EGFRtyr1173 and p‐AKTser473 levels and used for cell proliferation and invasion assays. A positive correlation among overexpression of ADAM 9, p‐EGFRtyr1173, and p‐AKTser473 was found in oral cancer tissues. These biomolecules were also overexpressed in HN6 and HN15 cell lines. Expression of ADAM9 in HN6 and HN15 cells was statistically significantly inhibited by siRNA against ADAM9 mRNA (siADAM9) compared with the negative‐control siRNA (scramble). The levels of p‐AKTser473, but not those of p‐EGFRtyr1173, were statistically significantly blocked by siADAM9. Although the proliferation rates of ADAM9 knocked‐down HN6 and HN15 cells did not differ from those of cells exposed to scramble, a statistically significant decrease in cell invasion was found in these ADAM9‐silenced cells. These results suggest a functional role of the ADAM 9/AKT signaling pathway in oral cancer cell invasion, which may be beneficial as a therapeutic target of oral cancer.
Dental age and skeletal maturity assessment in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Marinkovic Nemanja , Zelic Ksenija , Milovanovic Petar , Milutinovic Jovana , Djuric Marija , Nikodijevic Latinovic Angelina , Nedeljkovic Nenad
Published: March 2021

The aims of this study were to calculate the estimated dental age and the degree of skeletal maturity in patients with cerebral palsy and control patients (i.e., without a diagnosis of cerebral palsy) and to compare the findings with the chronological age of patients in both study groups. In this cross‐sectional study, the European formula and the Willems method were used to estimate the dental age of 52 patients with cerebral palsy and 104 control patients, all aged between 7 and 15 years. For all patients, their estimated dental age was compared with their chronological age. The degree of skeletal maturity of 35 patients with cerebral palsy and 104 control patients was estimated according to Baccetti's method. There was no statistically significant difference in the deviation of the estimated dental age from the chronological age between patients with cerebral palsy and control patients when the European formula or the Willems method was applied. No difference was found in the frequency of Baccetti's stages between patients with cerebral palsy and control patients in the same age category, for both sexes. To estimate dental age in patients with cerebral palsy, the European formula is preferable for orthodontic purposes and the Willems method is preferable for forensic purposes. Using Baccetti's method it was not possible to detect potential differences in skeletal maturity between patients with cerebral palsy and controls.
The dual anti‐caries effect of carboxymethyl chitosan nanogel loaded with chimeric lysin ClyR and amorphous calcium phosphate
Authors: Zhu Yun , Yan Jiarong , Mujtaba Babar Muhammad , Li Yuhong , Wei Hongping , Huang Shengfu
Published: March 2021

In this study, we evaluated the anti‐biofilm and anti‐demineralization abilities of a novel material, CMC‐ClyR‐ACP nanogel, designed by loading the chimeric lysin ClyR and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) into a nanocarrier material carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), in a demineralization model. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy showed that CMC‐ClyR‐ACP nanogel was synthesized successfully. Enamel samples prepared from premolars were divided into five groups according to their treatments with: (i) double distilled water ddH2O, (ii) CMC‐ACP, (iii) CMC‐ClyR‐ACP, (iv) ClyR, or (v) 0.12% chlorhexidine. Streptococcus mutans was allowed to form biofilms on the teeth for two days before treatment procedures were carried out from day 3 to day 6. The relative biofilm viability analyzed by Cell Counting Kit‐8 showed that it was significantly lower (at 55.7%) for CMC‐ClyR‐ACP than seen for ddH2O (89.9%), which was consistent with result of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The percentage surface hardness loss of CMC‐ClyR‐ACP (29.2%) was significantly lower than that of CMC‐ACP (51.0%) and ClyR (58.7%) alone, and there was no significant difference between CMC‐ClyR‐ACP and chlorhexidine (26.9%), which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, CMC‐ClyR‐ACP nanogel may be an effective strategy for the control of enamel demineralization.
Effects of melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) antagonist on neuropathic pain hypersensitivity in rats – A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Korczeniewska Olga A. , Kohli Divya , Katzmann Rider Giannina , Zaror Carlos , Iturriaga Veronica , Benoliel Rafael
Published: March 2021

Melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) has been investigated as a potential drug target for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The objective of the study was to systematically identify the effects of MC4R antagonists on hypersensitivity in rat models of neuropathic pain. A systematic search was conducted using the following databases: WoS, PubMed, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE. Inclusion criteria were: rat hypersensitivity induced by models of neuropathic pain with reported effects of MC4R antagonist. Two researchers performed the selection process and data extraction. SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used. Standard mean differences (SMD) were calculated and pooled by meta‐analysis using random effect models. Ten articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. The results reveal that, in animals exposed to neuropathic pain, administration of MC4R antagonists significantly increased paw withdrawal threshold (SHU9119 SMD = 1.67, 95% CI: [0.91, 2.44], I2 = 0%; HS014 SMD = 2.2, 95% CI: [0.53, 3.87], I2 = 71%) and heat withdrawal latency (HS014 SMD = 3.35, 95% CI: [0.56, 6.14], I2 = 83%) compared to vehicle‐treated animals. MC4R antagonists are effective in the alleviation of hypersensitivity in rodent neuropathic pain models. SHU9119 and HS014 antagonists showed the most prominent results. However, further investigation is needed to determine the optimal dose and time of treatment.
Invasion and rapid adaptation of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) across the Hawaiian Archipelago
Authors: Rosenthal William C. , McIntyre Peter B. , Lisi Peter J. , Prather Robert B. , Moody Kristine N. , Blum Michael J. , Hogan James Derek , Schoville Sean D.
Published: March 2021

How much does natural selection, as opposed to genetic drift, admixture, and gene flow, contribute to the evolution of invasive species following introduction to a new environment? Here we assess how evolution can shape biological invasions by examining population genomic variation in non‐native guppies (Poecilia reticulata) introduced to the Hawaiian Islands approximately a century ago. By examining 18 invasive populations from four Hawaiian islands and four populations from the native range in northern South America, we reconstructed the history of introductions and evaluated population structure as well as the extent of ongoing gene flow across watersheds and among islands. Patterns of differentiation indicate that guppies have developed significant population structure, with little natural or human‐mediated gene flow having occurred among populations following introduction. Demographic modeling and admixture graph analyses together suggest that guppies were initially introduced to O‘ahu and Maui and then translocated to Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i. We detected evidence for only one introduction event from the native range, implying that any adaptive evolution in introduced populations likely utilized the genetic variation present in the founding population. Environmental association tests accounting for population structure identified loci exhibiting signatures of adaptive variation related to predators and landscape characteristics but not nutrient regimes. When paired with high estimates of effective population sizes and detectable population structure, the presence of environment‐associated loci supports the role of natural selection in shaping contemporary evolution of Hawaiian guppy populations. Our findings indicate that local adaptation may engender invasion success, particularly in species with life histories that facilitate rapid evolution. Finally, evidence of low gene flow between populations suggests that removal could be an effective approach to control invasive guppies across the Hawaiian archipelago.