bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercultural collaborative lesson study between Japan and Germany
Authors: Yoshida Nariakira , Matsuda Mitsuru , Miyamoto Yuichi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The primary research question in this study concerns the establishment of a platform for intercultural collaborative lesson study, which promotes reciprocal dialogue between culturally distinctive educational research groups. Therefore, this study aims to introduce a case of intercultural collaborative lesson study projects between Hiroshima University and Leipzig University and to illustrate the issues in intercultural collaborative lesson study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reconstructed the sequence of the project as a case under the narrative structure. Data were retrieved from a collaborative project between Hiroshima University and Leipzig University, which corresponds to the theoretical framework, as they represent a clear cultural contrast. The description of the project is reconstructed and reduced into a linear storyline of procedure.

Findings

This study identifies three key issues: (1) sharing data and culture, (2) visualising methodology and process, and (3) responding to research questions and answers.

Research limitations/implications

This platform does require one cultural group neither throwing their own norms away nor creating an utterly new paradigm beyond their own cultures. It is a place “between” original places that enables groups to capture their own culture and another culture, which does not compel to change but effectively allows reflection and changing themselves.

Originality/value

Although several transcultural reports find that one cultural asset is imported and exported, the arena of bi-directional intercultural dialogue remains undeveloped. The collaborative project between Hiroshima and Leipzig is then introduced and examined to overcome the current problems in transnational lesson study.
A multidimensional and hierarchical model of banking services and behavioral intentions of customers
Authors: Hossain Md. Alamgir , Jahan Nusrat , Kim Minho
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Banking services encounter major challenges in determining customer's psychometric behavioral intentions. Scholars suggest that a theoretical approach to better understand the key constructs of service marketing, such as service quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction, corporate image and behavioral intentions, is critical to bank performance. The present study aims to design and test a comprehensive multidimensional and hierarchical model of service quality with higher-order psychometric constructions and their mediation effects in the model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a self-administered structured questionnaire are analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Empirical results confirm that multidimensional and hierarchical service quality are best suited to assess overall banking service quality, in which outcome, interaction and environment quality are the important primary dimensions, with each of them having several subdimensions. Service quality is the significant antecedent of behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, corporate image and perceived value. Customer satisfaction and service quality are the best determinants of behavioral intentions. In addition, customer satisfaction, perceived value and corporate image are complementary variables, having significant mediation effects on the relationship between service quality and behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

As a maiden study in the context of emerging economies, this research integrates a comprehensive service quality theory and valuable customer loyalty constructs, which are crucial to banks' financial performance, bolstering evidence for the theoretical pitch. This study also provides managers with a clear idea of how they can develop sustainable service marketing strategies and policies on the psychometric perceptions of customers, thereby leading banks to achieve long-term goals.
Does social reporting matter? Empirical evidence
Authors: Sarea Adel , Salami Monsurat Ayojimi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the level of Islamic social reporting (ISR) disclosure of Islamic banking in Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries using a checklist based on Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institution (AAOIFI) standards.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method – Tobit Model – is adopted in this study. The unweighted disclosure method used to measure the ISR disclosure checklist consist of 51 items in Islamic banks (IBs) in the GCC countries. The stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory are used to investigate the possible banking performance factors affecting the accounting practices such as ISR disclosure in IBs.

Findings

The findings show that the ISR disclosure index is linked to the IBs’ performance indicators in GCC countries. The result indicates both Islamic banking profitability and age establish positive and statistically significant relationship with ISR disclosure while leverage establishes significant negative relationship with ISR disclosure. This implies that Islamic banking profitability, leverage, and age are essential bank performance indicators that make ISR disclosure worthy of doing even in the presence of Islamic bank stakeholders in GCC countries. This finding linked compliance with the mandatory disclosure recommendations of AAOIFI Standard No. 7, as well as voluntary disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

This study used cross sectional data for the year 2019, which is considered more recent despite its being a year data analysis. However, future research should consider mix method as well as more analysis tools provided their number of observations are sufficient enough.

Social implications

The study identifies the factors that may enhance Islamic financial institutions, including Islamic banking in GCC countries, to comply with ISR disclosure. The application of this study supports Accounting standards setters to consider standards that support ISR disclosure in Islamic banking in different countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is novel in exploring the level of ISR disclosure in Islamic banking in GCC countries by using a checklist based on AAOIFI standard No. 7 and establishes the relationship between ISR disclosure index and IBs profitability, leverage, as well as age of Islamic banking in operation.
The microfoundations of design sprint: how Johnson & Johnson cultivates innovation in a highly regulated market
Authors: Magistretti Stefano , Allo Luis , Verganti Roberto , Dell’Era Claudio , Reutter Felix
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Mastering innovation in highly regulated markets might require companies to overcome significant barriers. Rules, laws and limitations on social, economic and institutional dimensions can hinder the ability of a company to transfer knowledge within and across organizational boundaries. However, as recent research in innovation management increasingly advocates user involvement and early understanding of user needs as best practices, the inability to freely interact with customers due to highly regulated market restrictions can hinder the company’s capability to innovate. Hence, this paper aims to shed light on how an emerging managerial approach, such as Design Sprint, can support companies operating in highly regulated markets to overcome user involvement limitations and boost human-centered innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper sheds light on how to boost innovation in a highly regulated market by leveraging an in-depth case study. The study investigates the use of the Design Sprint approach adopted by the pharmaceutical multinational Johnson & Johnson to revise the way its R&D department orchestrates the new product development process, overcoming the user involvement challenges of highly regulated markets.

Findings

In analyzing six different projects undertaken in the past two years, the findings illustrate three microfoundational dimensions of the Design Sprint approach in highly regulated markets, the so-called 3T model: team, time and tools. Indeed, deploying the Design Sprint in a highly regulated market has proven that being able to experiment in the early stages, building rough prototypes in real-time and openly collaborating with partners is crucial to boost innovation and anticipate constraints.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the Design Sprint approach by initially grounding an emerging managerial approach on organizational and management theory, leveraging the lens of microfoundations. In doing so, this study suggests how Design Sprint is based on the pillars of experimentation, knowledge transfer and co-creation usually neglected in highly regulated markets where user involvement is challenging. Finally, this study discloses the importance of using a design-based methodology in fostering innovation in highly regulated markets.
Contagion of COVID-19 pandemic between oil and financial assets: the evidence of multivariate Markov switching GARCH models
Authors: Ghorbel Achraf , Jeribi Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In this paper, we investigate empirically the time-frequency co-movement between the recent COVID-19 pandemic, G7stock markets, gold, crude oil price (WTI) and cryptocurrency markets (bitcoin) using both the multivariate MSGARCH models.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the relationship between the volatilities of oil, Chinese stock index and financial assets (cryptocurrency, gold, and G7 stock indexes), for the period January 17th 2020 to December 10th 2020. It tests the presence of regime changes in the GARCH volatility dynamics of bitcoin, gold, Chinese, and G7 stock indexes as well as oil prices by using Markov–Switching GARCH model. Also, the paper estimates the dynamic correlation and volatility spillover between oil, Chinese and financial assets by using the MSBEKK-GARCH and MSDCC-GARCH models.

Findings

Overall, we find that all variables display a strong volatility concentrated in the first four months of Covid-19 outbreak. The paper conducts different backtesting procedures of the 1% and 5% Value-at-Risk forecasts of risk. The results find that gold has the lowest VaR. However, the Canadian and American indices have the highest VaR, for respectively 1% and 5% confidence level. The estimation results of MSBEKK-GARCH prove the volatility spillover between Chinese index, oil and financial assets. Although, the past news about shocks in the Chinese index significantly affects the current conditional volatility of financial assets. Moreover, for the high regime, the correlation increased between Chinese and G7 stock indexes which proving the contagion effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the contrary, the correlation decreased between Chinese-gold and Chinese-bitcoin, which confirming that gold and bitcoin can be considered as an alternative hedge for some investors during a crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the correlations for the couples oil-gold and oil-bitcoin peaked. Contrary to gold, bitcoin cannot be considered as a safe haven during the global pandemic when investing in crude oil.

Originality/value

In contrast, comparative analysis in terms of responses to US COVID-19 pandemic, the US Covid-19 confirmed cases have relative higher impact on the co-movement in WTI and bitcoin. This paper confirms that gold is a safe haven during the COVID19 pandemic period.
Can adaptive–academic leadership duo make universities ready for change? Evidence from higher education institutions in Pakistan in the light of COVID-19
Authors: Mukaram Aamna Tariq , Rathore Kashif , Khan Mukaram Ali , Danish Rizwan Qaiser , Zubair Syed Sohaib
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In rapidly changing global village, individuals, organizations and the society are faced with various unforeseen challenges every day, and these challenges continuously trigger and test the instincts for survival, and higher education is of no exception. In the context of today’s most critical uncertainty, i.e. COVID-19, the purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of two leadership styles, i.e. adaptive and academic leadership, and assessing readiness for change among higher education institutions (HEIs) of Punjab, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted to collect data from 404 permanent faculty members in the public sector universities identified using stratified random sampling. The hypotheses developed were tested using co-variance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

As per the findings, both leadership styles as exogenous constructs and the presence of organizational learning capability as mediators contributed positively in crafting organizational readiness for change (ORC) among HEIs in the course of unpredictable circumstances.

Practical implications

The COVID-19 episode globally has reiterated the importance of change, and the role of leadership in this regard cannot be undermined. This study, for that matter, stresses on the importance and benefits of academic and adaptive leadership dealing with uncertainties or change and the readiness of HEIs for change. Several institutions faced challenges in doing so, and the transition was not smooth, except for institutions where leaders were the differentiating factor. On top of it, institutions that had timely invested in digital systems and had enhanced organizations learning capacity survived in these turbulent times.

Originality/value

COVID-19 has placed tremendous challenges on HEIs to adapt with the rapidly changing conditions. Hence, this study is unique in understanding the academic and adaptive leadership styles in context of ORC. This study further helps in understanding that how public sector universities that are already influenced by stringent bureaucratic structures react to change.
Determinants of consumers’ frugal innovation acceptance in a developed country
Authors: Costa Leonor , Teixeira Aurora , Brochado Ana
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand why young people are interested in buying frugal innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected with a survey administered to 534 university students enrolled in various fields of study (e.g. sciences, technology, economics and fine arts). Using the Tata Nano car as an example of frugal innovation, a model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology was developed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The model’s results reveal that effort expectancy, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions are critical factors that explain university students’ intention to buy Tata Nano.

Originality/value

Although frugal innovations are often introduced first in developing countries, frugal innovations could be highly relevant to users in developed nations as these innovations can provide market opportunities in terms of cost-conscious, relatively low-income and sustainability-conscious consumers.
The genetic and epigenetic basis of distinct melanoma types
Authors: Oba Junna , Woodman Scott E.
Published: May 2021

Melanoma represents the deadliest skin cancer. Recent therapeutic developments, including targeted and immune therapies have revolutionized clinical management and improved patient outcome. This progress was achieved by rigorous molecular and functional studies followed by robust clinical trials. The identification of key genomic alterations and gene expression profiles have propelled the understanding of distinct characteristics within melanoma subtypes. The aim of this review is to summarize and highlight the main genetic and epigenetic findings of melanomas and highlight their pathological and therapeutic importance.
Effects of different chemical modifications on the structure and biological activities of polysaccharides from Orchis chusua D. Don
Authors: Nuerxiati Rehebati , Mutailipu Paiheerding , Abuduwaili Aytursun , Dou Jun , Aisa Haji Akber , Yili Abulimiti
Published: May 2021

In this study, an enzyme‐assisted extraction method was used to extract Orchis chusua D. Don (Salep) polysaccharide (SP), which was then modified by sulfation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and carboxymethylation to obtain modified polysaccharides. Furthermore, their degree of substitution, chemical composition, and molecular weight were evaluated. The primary structural features were characterized by UV spectra, FT‐IR spectra, Congo‐red test, and scanning electron microscope. The phosphorylated polysaccharide (SP‐P) was demonstrated the highest scavenging ability on hydroxyl radical and growth‐promoting activity on Lactobacillus Bulgaricus. The carboxymethylated polysaccharide (SP‐C) was exhibited the strongest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects. The acetylated polysaccharide (SP‐A) displayed the best proliferation effects on Bifidobacterium adolescentis, whereas the sulfated polysaccharide (SP‐S) maintained moderately stable antioxidant and probiotic ability. These findings indicate that the modified polysaccharides had their potential significance as new antioxidants and probiotics for the food industry.

Practical Application

This article provides a new source for the development of polysaccharide derivatives as new antioxidants and probiotics for the food industry.
Development of dual‐inducible duet‐expression vectors for tunable gene expression control and CRISPR interference‐based gene repression in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Gauttam Rahul , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W.
Published: May 2021

The development of P. putida as an industrial host requires a sophisticated molecular toolbox for strain improvement, including vectors for gene expression and repression. To augment existing expression plasmids for metabolic engineering, we developed a series of dual‐inducible duet‐expression vectors for P. putida KT2440. A number of inducible promoters (Plac, Ptac, PtetR/tetA and Pbad) were used in different combinations to differentially regulate the expression of individual genes. Protein expression was evaluated by measuring the fluorescence of reporter proteins (GFP and RFP). Our experiments demonstrated the use of compatible plasmids, a useful approach to coexpress multiple genes in P. putida KT2440. These duet vectors were modified to generate a fully inducible CRISPR interference system using two catalytically inactive Cas9 variants from S. pasteurianus (dCas9) and S. pyogenes (spdCas9). The utility of developed CRISPRi system(s) was demonstrated by repressing the expression of nine conditionally essential genes, resulting in growth impairment and prolonged lag phase for P. putida KT2440 growth on glucose. Furthermore, the system was shown to be tightly regulated, tunable and to provide a simple way to identify essential genes with an observable phenotype.
Evidence for local, regional and interregional exchange networks on Failaka: Some remarks on late Islamic pottery from Kharaib al‐Dasht
Authors: Mierzejewska Marta
Published: May 2021

The site of Kharaib al‐Dasht, located on the northern coast of Failaka, is a late Islamic settlement with an extensive fishing infrastructure. It has been excavated since 2013 by the Kuwaiti‐Polish Archaeological Mission. The ceramic assemblage collected so far exceeds 18,000 fragments. The sherds underwent technological and typological analyses, which demonstrated a wide diversity of local common kitchen wares, consistent with the needs of households specialised in fishing. A considerable percentage of imported vessels was brought to Failaka from the Arabian Gulf and Persia, though Far Eastern luxury tableware was also attested. This paper demonstrates the socioeconomic role of Kharaib al‐Dasht in the context of trade exchange on the microregional (Kuwait) and macroregional (the Gulf, South and Eastern Asia) scales in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Moralization East and West: Moralizing different transgressions among Chinese, Americans, and Lithuanians
Authors: Berniūnas Renatas , Silius Vytis , Dranseika Vilius
Published: May 2021

In this article, we report a cross‐cultural study on how different types of social transgressions are moralised by Chinese, Americans, and Lithuanians. We hypothesised that given the continuing influences of Confucian worldview on contemporary Chinese societies, the Chinese will not make a distinction between moral (daode道德) and conventional cultural norms (wenming 文明). Following Turiel’s moral/conventional task, we characterised moral transgressions in terms of two dimensions: Their wrongness is perceived to be independent of any authorities’ opinion and general in scope. The results indicate that Chinese participants were slightly more “moralising” than Americans and Lithuanians in the typical (Haidtean) moral domains. More importantly, unlike Americans and Lithuanians, the Chinese strongly moralised uncultured (wenming 文明) behaviour. Results also indicate that explicit considerations about purity were quite important across all three cultural groups. These mixed results are discussed in the light of recent debates about the scope of morality and the moral/conventional distinction.
Ordering Diversity: Co‐Producing the Pandemic and the Migrant in Singapore during COVID‐19
Authors: Ye Junjia
Published: May 2021

What do measures of management during this exceptional and volatile time tell us about the regulation of migrant‐driven diversity and its implications in the arrival city? Using the term “differential diversification” from Singapore, I examine how the socio‐political life of the pandemic is deeply entangled with the management of low‐waged labour migrants. Techno‐political discourses and practices of pandemic management accelerated the state’s attempts to differently include migrant workers, revealing the bare viscerality of biopolitics already in place prior to the pandemic. I argue that diversity is ordered through a striking co‐production of migrant management and pandemic management. This paper draws upon government discourses to demonstrate that measures of pandemic management contribute not only to the spatial regime of migrant management. They also articulate and rationalise the subject transformation of the low‐waged migrant to the extent that, on top of being a moral risk, they are also now a medical risk.
Ocular characteristics and complications in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta: a systematic review
Authors: Treurniet Sanne , Burger Pia , Ghyczy Ebba A.E. , Verbraak Frank D. , Curro‐ Tafili Katie R. , Micha Dimitra , Bravenboer Nathalie , Ralston Stuart H. , de Vries Ralph , Moll Annette C. , Eekhoff Elisabeth Marelise W.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited heterogeneous connective tissue disorder characterized by bone fragility, low bone mineral density, skeletal deformity and blue sclera. The dominantly inherited forms of OI are predominantly caused by mutations in either the COL1A1 or COL1A2 gene. Collagen type I is one of the major structural proteins of the eyes and therefore is the eye theoretically prone to alterations in OI. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the known ocular problems reported in OI.

Methods

A literature search (in PubMed, Embase and Scopus), which included articles from inception to August 2020, was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

The results of this current review show that almost every component of the eye could be affected in OI. Decreased thickness of the cornea and sclera is an important factor causing eye problems in patients with OI such as blue sclera. Findings that stand out are ruptures, lacerations and other eye problems that occur after minor trauma, as well as complications from standard surgical procedures.

Discussion

Alterations in collagen type I affect multiple structural components of the eye. It is recommended that OI patients wear protective glasses against accidental eye trauma. Furthermore, when surgery is required, it should be approached with caution. The prevalence of eye problems in different types of OI is still unknown. Additional research is required to obtain a better understanding of the ocular defects that may occur in OI patients and the underlying pathology.
Possibility for avoidance of urgent nighttime operations for acute appendicitis in a regional core university hospital
Authors: Tago Tomoya , Shimoda Mitsugi , Imazato Ryosuke , Udou Ryutaro , Katsumata Kenji , Tsuchida Akihiko , Suzuki Shuji
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In recent years, a shortage of surgeons and anesthesiologists, particularly in regional hospitals, has become a social issue in Japan. In such hospitals, urgent surgery at night has been performed with difficulty. Therefore, we retrospectively assessed the outcomes of appendectomies for the patients visited at nighttime in our hospital categorized as a local university hospital.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 82 patients of acute appendicitis presented to our hospital between 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., between January 2014 and April 2019. We compared patients who underwent urgent nighttime appendectomy (group A) and patients who underwent appendectomy during the daytime, or so‐called short interval appendectomy (group B). The evaluated factors were preoperative characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, cardiopulmonary complications, laboratory data, body temperature, presence of the Blumberg sign, and CT findings), operation characteristics, and postoperative characteristics (surgical‐site infection [SSI], complications, and length of hospital stay).

Results

Patients in group A were significantly younger than patients in group B. Patients in group A were significant more likely to experience an SSI.

Discussion

Patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis during the nighttime can undergo short interval appendectomy, which leads to a decreased risk of SSI, has no effect on length of hospital stay after surgery, and lessens medical staff burden.
Application of deep learning to understand resilience to Alzheimer's disease pathology
Authors: Lee Cecilia S. , Latimer Caitlin S. , Henriksen Jonathan C. , Blazes Marian , Larson Eric B. , Crane Paul K. , Keene C. Dirk , Lee Aaron Y.
Published: May 2021

People who have Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change (ADNC) typically associated with dementia but not the associated cognitive decline can be considered to be “resilient” to the effects of ADNC. We have previously reported lower neocortical levels of hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) and less limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE‐NC) in the resilient participants compared to those with dementia and similar ADNC as determined by current NIA‐AA recommendations using traditional semi‐quantitative assessments of amyloid β and pathological tau burden. To better understand differences between AD‐dementia and resilient participants, we developed and applied a deep learning approach to analyze the neuropathology of 14 brain donors from the Adult Changes in Thought study, including seven stringently defined resilient participants and seven age‐matched AD‐dementia controls. We created two novel, fully automated deep learning algorithms to quantify the level of phosphorylated TDP‐43 (pTDP‐43) and pTau in whole slide imaging. The models performed better than traditional techniques for quantifying pTDP‐43 and pTau. The second model was able to segment lesions staining for pTau into neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and tau neurites (neuronal processes positive for pTau). Both groups had similar quantities of pTau localizing to neurites, but the pTau burden associated with NFTs in the resilient group was significantly lower compared to the group with dementia. These results validate use of deep learning approaches to quantify clinically relevant microscopic characteristics from neuropathology workups. These results also suggest that the burden of NFTs is more strongly associated with cognitive impairment than the more diffuse neuritic tau commonly seen with tangle pathology and suggest that additional factors may underlie resilience mechanisms defined by traditional means.
Mitotic checkpoint regulator RAE1 promotes tumor growth in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Yuta , Masuda Takaaki , Fujii Atsushi , Shimizu Dai , Sato Kuniaki , Kitagawa Akihiro , Tobo Taro , Ozato Yuki , Saito Hideyuki , Kuramitsu Shotaro , Noda Miwa , Otsu Hajime , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Mori Masaki , Mimori Koshi
Published: May 2021

Microtubules are among the most successful targets for anticancer therapy because they play important roles in cell proliferation as they constitute the mitotic spindle, which is critical for chromosome segregation during mitosis. Hence, identifying new therapeutic targets encoding proteins that regulate microtubule assembly and function specifically in cancer cells is critical. In the present study, we identified a candidate gene that promotes tumor progression, ribonucleic acid export 1 (RAE1), a mitotic checkpoint regulator, on chromosome 20q through a bioinformatics approach using datasets of colorectal cancer (CRC), including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). RAE1 was ubiquitously amplified and overexpressed in tumor cells. High expression of RAE1 in tumor tissues was positively associated with distant metastasis and was an independent poor prognostic factor in CRC. In vitro and in vivo analysis showed that RAE1 promoted tumor growth, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted cell cycle progression, possibly with a decreased proportion of multipolar spindle cells in CRC. Furthermore, RAE1 induced chemoresistance through its anti–apoptotic effect. In addition, overexpression of RAE1 and significant effects on survival were observed in various types of cancer, including CRC. In conclusion, we identified RAE1 as a novel gene that facilitates tumor growth in part by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting cell cycle progression through stabilizing spindle bipolarity and facilitating tumor growth. We suggest that it is a potential therapeutic target to overcome therapeutic resistance of CRC.
Detection of von Hippel‐Lindau gene mutation in circulating cell‐free DNA for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sumiyoshi Takayuki , Yamasaki Toshinari , Takeda Masashi , Mizuno Kei , Utsunomiya Noriaki , Sakamoto Hiromasa , Nakamura Eijiro , Ogawa Osamu , Akamatsu Shusuke
Published: May 2021

The therapeutic landscape of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has rapidly expanded, and there is an urgent need to develop noninvasive biomarkers that can select an optimal therapy or evaluate the response in real time. To evaluate the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis in ccRCC, we established a highly sensitive assay to detect mutations in von Hippel‐Lindau gene (VHL) using a combination of digital PCR and multiplex PCR–based targeted sequencing. The unique assay could detect VHL mutations with a variant allele frequency (VAF) <1.0%. Further, we profiled the mutation status of VHL in 76 cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) and 50 tumor tissues from 56 patients with ccRCC using the assay. Thirteen VHL mutations were identified in cfDNA from 12 (21.4%) patients with a median VAF of 0.78% (range, 0.13%‐4.20%). Of the 28 patients with VHL mutations in matched tumor tissues, eight (28.6%) also had VHL mutation in cfDNA with a median VAF of 0.47% (range, 0.13%‐2.88%). In serial ctDNA analysis from one patient, we confirmed that the VAF of VHL mutation changed consistent with tumor size by radiographic imaging during systemic treatment. In conclusion, VHL mutation in cfDNA was detected only in a small number of patients even using the highly sensitive assay; nevertheless, we showed the potential of ctDNA analysis as a novel biomarker in ccRCC.
Synthesis, and antimalarial and antibacterial activities of marine alkaloids
Authors: Zhou Shiyang , Huang Gangliang
Published: May 2021

The activities of marine alkaloids are manifested in antifungus and antimalaria. The optimization process, chemical synthesis, antimalarial activity, and antibacterial activity of various compounds were discussed.
MicroRNA‐124 regulates lens epithelial cell apoptosis by affecting Fas alternative splicing by targeting polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein in age‐related cataract
Authors: Zhang Kaiyun , Yin Yue , Pei Cheng , Wu Changrui
Published: May 2021

Background

Age‐related cataract (ARC) is a primary cause of visual blindness worldwide. Lens epithelial cell (LEC) apoptosis, in which Fas plays an essential role, is a vital cytological basis for cataractogenesis. However, the regulatory mechanism of Fas‐dependent LEC apoptosis is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate whether MicroRNA (miRNA)‐124 can regulate LEC apoptosis by targeting polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein (PTB) and thereby affecting Fas alternative splicing in ARC.

Methods

Lens capsule samples from patients with ARC and cornea donors with a transparent lens were collected. HLE‐B3 cells were cultured and treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to establish an apoptosis model in LECs. The expression of miRNA‐124, PTB, Fas, and Fas isoforms in tissues and cell lines was assessed by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), western blotting, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry. The miRNA‐124 mimic and inhibitor were transfected into HLE‐B3 cells, and the effects of the miRNA‐124/PTB/Fas pathway in LECs were assessed by analysis of their related targets.

Results

High expression of miRNA‐124 and membrane Fas (mFas) mRNA and decreased PTB expression were observed in the lens capsule samples. In cells undergoing H2O2‐induced apoptosis, mFas expression was increased, accompanied by decreased PTB and increased miRNA‐124 expression. Subsequently, miRNA‐124 upregulation suppressed PTB expression, elevated the mFas level without affecting total Fas expression and promoted apoptosis; miRNA‐124 downregulation exerted the opposite effects.

Conclusion

This study revealed that miRNA‐124 promotes LEC apoptosis in ARC by upregulating mFas through targeted inhibition of PTB. Moreover, the identification of the miRNA‐124/PTB/Fas pathway provides novel insight into Fas‐dependent LEC apoptosis.
Making political connections work better: Information asymmetry and the development of private firms in China
Authors: Liu Guanchun , Xin Ge , Li Jing
Published: May 2021

Research question/issue

Previous studies have documented the benefits for firms of building political connections, yet there is a gap in the literature on the information transmission effect of political connections. Our study examines the effect of political connections in a highly asymmetric information environment—private firms in China.

Research findings/insights

Using quarterly data on listed private firms in China from 2004 to 2017, we find that political connections ensure such firms have access to reliable political information, which mitigates the risks of policy uncertainty. Further, firms connected to the government are better able to mitigate the negative effects of policy uncertainty than those connected to the legislature, while firms tied to high‐level authorities are better able to do so than those tied to lower‐level ones. Specifically, political connections are more effective in lower‐marketized and peripheral regions, where information asymmetry is higher.

Theoretical/academic implications

Our study highlights the importance of political connections in mitigating the negative relationship between policy uncertainty and corporate investment via the information transmission channel. Specifically, officials can more efficiently mitigate policy uncertainty than delegates, and high‐level authorities are more effective than lower‐level officials.

Practitioner/policy implications

We argue that building political connections helps private firms offset the negative effects of policy uncertainty. Our findings provide useful insights for understanding the impacts of Regulation No. 18 of October 2013, which limits the employment of current and retired officials in private firms.
Can motivational interviewing for dental settings be taught online? Results of an uncontrolled interventional trial
Authors: Fuhrmann Sascha , Kitzmann Julia , Isailov‐Schöchlin Milena , Vach Kirstin , Fabry Götz , Schulz Cornelia , Jähne Andreas , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan Peter
Published: May 2021

Background

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence‐based method of promoting oral healthcare behaviour. Conventional training of MI is a time‐consuming and costly aspect in the dental curriculum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptance of a MI‐blended learning programme for dental students.

Materials and Methods

Dental students had to perform an interdisciplinary created "ecourse Motivational Interviewing in medical settings" (eMI‐med). After completion, patient‐student interviews were recorded and evaluated using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity Code (MITI‐d). Furthermore, the students’ self‐efficacy regarding smoking cessation and oral hygiene motivation was examined and the acceptance of the tool was enquired.

Results

Forty interviews with 25 different students were analysed with the MITI‐d. Students showed high levels of MI‐adherent behaviour (15.45 ± 6.98), open‐ended questions (9.95 ± 6.90) and reflections (10.43 ± 8.85), which were comparable to previous classroom trainings. In addition, 90% of the students preferred e‐learning over classroom teaching. Furthermore, the students’ therapeutical self‐efficacies were significantly increased by the programme.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, the created e‐learning programme was able to equip dental students with basic knowledge and MI skills. Furthermore, learning MI through e‐learning may heighten the self‐efficacy of dental students regarding smoking cessation and oral hygiene promotion. Students showed a high acceptance of e‐learning, preferring it over traditional learning.
Effect of zirconia surface modification using dopamine polymerisation on the shear bond strength of resin cement
Authors: Yu Yi , Cui Maiyin , Lin Tingting , Liu Chuantong , Jin Xiaoting , Chen Huanhuan , Zheng Ruibin , Huang Shengbin , Ma Jianfeng
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated the influence of polydopamine treatment on the surface properties and bond strength of yttria‐stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y‐TZP). Sixty‐three zirconia blocks (10 × 10 × 2 mm) were randomly divided into three groups defined by surface treatment: (i) control group (C), (ii) grit‐blasted with 110 μm alumina particles (GB), and (iii) polydopamine (PDA) coating. The surfaces of specimens subjected to different treatments were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle measurements. After the surface treatments, the specimens were cemented to resin composite cylinders. After bonding, the shear bond strength of the ceramic to the resin was measured, and the failure mode of each specimen was analysed using a stereomicroscope. The results indicated that the shear bond strength is highest for the GB treatment and lowest for the controls. However, the difference between groups GB and PDA was not statistically significant. In the control group, adhesive failure was predominant, whereas in the treatment groups, mixed mode failure was predominant. The pre‐treatment of Y‐TZP ceramic with the polydopamine coating might improve the bond strength of the resin cement to the zirconia ceramic.
Non‐surgical manual reduction of indirect inguinal hernias in 89 adult stallions
Authors: Baranková K. , de Bont M. P. , Simon O. , Meulyzer M. , Boussauw B. , Vandenberghe F. , Wilderjans H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Indirect inguinal hernia (IIH) is the most commonly reported acquired hernia in adult horses. Outcomes following surgical intervention comprising of immediate ventral midline laparotomy (IVML) and simultaneous castration are well known. The outcome following reduction of IIH utilising a noninvasive manual reduction (MR) technique in a large number of horses has not been previously reported.

Objectives

To describe a nonsurgical MR technique developed by the authors and to report our long‐term experiences and clinical outcome.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Medical records of 89 stallions presenting with IIH and treated with MR were reviewed. Extensive patient data was collected, with cases grouped based on outcome of the MR procedure and whether or not laparotomy was performed. Data on short‐ and long‐term outcome was obtained.

Results

Manual reduction was successful in 80 of 89 (90%) horses. Fifty of 89 (56%) horses were treated with MR only and without exploratory laparotomy. In total 29 of 89 (33%) horses underwent IVML and 10 of 89 (11%) delayed ventral midline laparotomy (DVML). Resections were performed in 6 of 89 (8%) horses. Concurrent small intestinal volvulus was diagnosed in 8 of 89 (9%) horses. Horses undergoing DVML following a successful MR had the highest mortality rates during hospitalisation (4/10, 40%). Short‐term survival was 92% (82/89). Ipsilateral reoccurrence of IIH post‐hospital discharge was recorded in 7 of 47 (15%) horses. Overall long‐term survival with a median of 12 years was 72% (34/47).

Main limitations

These include the retrospective nature of data collection, lack of standardised pre‐ and post‐MR clinical assessments and a biased Warmblood population.

Conclusions

Manual reduction appears to be a feasible nonsurgical technique to reduce IIH in adult Warmblood horses, with favourable survival rates. Individual case assessment is crucial, as delayed laparotomy may increase mortality rates. Suspicion of concurrent small intestinal volvulus or devitalised small intestine always warrants immediate laparotomy following MR.
Current understanding of epigenetics in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Schmidt Alina D. , de Guzman Strong Cristina
Published: May 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting up to 20% of the paediatric population worldwide. AD patients commonly exhibit dry skin and pruritus and are at a higher risk for developing asthma as well as allergic rhinitis. Filaggrin loss‐of‐function variants are the most widely replicated genetic risk factor among >40 genes associated with AD susceptibility. The prevalence of AD has tripled in the past 30 years in industrial countries around the world. This urgent public health issue has prompted the field to more thoroughly investigate the mechanisms that underlie AD pathogenesis amidst environmental exposures. Epigenetics is the study of heritable, yet reversible, modifications to the genome that affect gene expression. The past decade has seen an emergence of exciting studies identifying a role for epigenetic regulation associated with AD and at the interface of environmental factors. Such epigenetic studies have been empowered by sequencing technologies and human genome variation and epigenome maps. miRNAs that post‐transcriptionally modify gene expression and circRNAs have also been discovered to be associated with AD. Here, we review our current understanding of epigenetics associated with atopic dermatitis. We discuss studies identifying distinct DNA methylation changes in keratinocytes and T cells, eQTLs as DNA methylation switches that impact gene expression, and histone modification changes associated with AD‐related microbial dysbiosis. We further highlight the need for integrative and collaborative analyses to elucidate the impact of these epigenetic findings as potential drivers for AD pathogenesis and the translation of this new knowledge to develop newer targeted treatments.
Cutibacteriumacnes: Much ado about maybe nothing much
Authors: van Steensel Maurice A. M. , Goh Boon Chong
Published: May 2021

Cutibacterium acnes (also known as Propionibacterium acnes) has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of acne, inspiring both therapeutic and personal care approaches aiming to control the disease by controlling the bacterium. The purported association has made people with acne feel dirty and led to the—at times excessive—use of cleansers, antiseptics and antibiotics for the condition. However, recent evidence seems to weaken the case for C. acnes’ involvement. New genetics and molecular biology findings strongly suggest that abnormal differentiation of sebaceous progenitor cells causes comedones, the primary lesions in acne. Comodegenesis is initiated by androgens and is unlikely to be triggered by C. acnes, which probably doesn't affect sebaceous differentiation. Is there still a place for it in this understanding of acne? It is necessary to critically address this question because it has consequences for treatment. Antibiotic use for acne noticeably contributes to microbial drug resistance, which we can ill afford. In this Viewpoint, we explore if and how C. acnes (still) fits into the developing view on acne. We also briefly discuss the implications for therapy in the light of antibiotic resistance and the need for more targeted therapies.
Wound healing applications of creams and “smart” hydrogels
Authors: Stan Diana , Tanase Cristiana , Avram Marioara , Apetrei Roxana , Mincu Nicolae‐Bogdan , Mateescu Andreea Lorena , Stan Dana
Published: May 2021

Although superficial wounds are often easy to treat for healthy individuals, there are some more severe types of wounds (burns, ulcers, diabetic wounds, etc.) that are a challenge for clinicians. A good therapeutic result is based on the delivery of a treatment at the right time, for the right patient. Our goal was to sum up useful knowledge regarding wound healing and wound treatments, based on creams and hydrogels with various active ingredients. We concluded that both preparations have application in preventing infections and promoting healing, but their efficacy is clearly conditioned by the type, depth, severity of the wound and patient profile. However, due to their superior versatility and capability of maintaining the integrity and functionality of the active ingredient, as well as it is controlled release at site, hydrogels are more suited for incorporating different active ingredients. New wound healing devices can combine smart hydrogel dressings with physical therapies to deliver a more efficient treatment to patients if the indications are appropriate.
Cash to accruals accounting in British central government: A journey through time
Authors: Edwards John Richard
Published: May 2021

Departmental and central government accountability to the UK Parliament was based principally on cash transactions for a period of over 300 years commencing with the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Beginning in the second decade of the 19th century, recurrent proposals for the replacement of cash accounting by accruals accounting were founded on the conviction that ‘commercial’ accounting practices provided a more effective basis for performance measurement, financial control and public accountability. This paper studies the progress of these initiatives through time, with Treasury resistance to the adoption of private sector‐type accounting practices by administrative departments recognised as a persistent and effective barrier to innovation up until the 1980s.