bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Clinical Pain Locations and Pain Sensitivity in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Zhu Yehui , Loggia Marco L. , Edwards Robert R. , Flowers Kelsey M. , Muñoz-Vergara Dennis W. , Partridge Ann H. , Schreiber Kristin L.
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), which potently inhibit estrogen biosynthesis, are a standard treatment for hormone sensitive early-stage breast cancer. AIs have been associated with substantial joint pain and muscle stiffness (aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome). However, the link between AIs and number of clinical pain locations and pain sensitivity are less well understood. The aim of this study was to compare longitudinal changes in clinical pain and quantitative pain sensitivity between women who did or did not receive AI therapy.

Methods:

Women with early-stage breast cancer were prospectively enrolled and assessed for clinical pain in surgical and nonsurgical body areas using the Brief Pain Inventory and Breast Cancer Pain Questionnaire, and for pain sensitivity using quantitative sensory testing preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Pain outcomes between participants who did and did not begin adjuvant AI therapy were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks and generalized estimating equation linear regression analyses.

Results:

Clinical pain and pain sensitivity were comparable between AI (n=49) and no-AI (n=106) groups preoperatively. After adjusting for body mass index, AI therapy was associated with a greater increase in the number of painful nonsurgical body sites (significant time by treatment interaction, P=0.024). Pain location was most frequent in knees (28%), lower back (26%), and ankles/feet (17%). Quantitative sensory testing revealed a significant decrease in pain sensitivity (increased pressure pain threshold) in the no-AI group over time, but not in the AI group.

Conclusions:

AI therapy was associated with increased diffuse joint-related pain and greater post-treatment pain sensitivity, potentially implicating central sensitization as a contributing pain mechanism of aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome worthy of future investigation.
Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of COVID-19 Based on the Gut–Lung Axis
Authors: He Qiaoyu , Shi Yumeng , Tang Qian , Xing Hong , Zhang Han , Wang Mei , Chen Xiaopeng
Published: September 2022

Respiratory symptoms are most commonly experienced by patients in the early stages of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, with a better understanding of COVID-19, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have attracted increasing attention. The gastrointestinal tract may be a target organ of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The intestinal microecological balance is a crucial factor for homeostasis, including immunity and inflammation, which are closely related to COVID-19. Herbal medicines can restore intestinal function and regulate the gut flora structure. Herbal medicine has a long history of treating lung diseases from the perspective of the intestine, which is called the gut–lung axis. The physiological activities of guts and lungs influence each other through intestinal flora, microflora metabolites, and mucosal immunity. Microecological modulators are included in the diagnosis and treatment protocols for COVID-19. In this review, we demonstrate the relationship between COVID-19 and the gut, gut–lung axis, and the role of herbal medicines in treating respiratory diseases originating from the intestinal tract. It is expected that the significance of herbal medicines in treating respiratory diseases from the perspective of the intestinal tract could lead to new ideas and methods for treatment.
Efficacy of Oral Psyllium in Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Menon Jagadeesh , Thapa Babu Ram , Kumari Rajni , Puttaiah Kadyada Srikanth , Rana Satyavati , Lal Sadhna B.
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with variable response to various therapeutic agents. Psyllium has been proven to be effective in adults; however, there is no study in children. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of psyllium husk as compared to placebo in pediatric IBS patients.

Methods:

In this double‐blind randomized controlled trial, 43 children were assigned to psyllium arm (Group A) and 38 into placebo arm (Group B). Severity is assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment using IBS severity scoring scale (IBS‐SSS) and classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Categorical data was compared with chi‐square test and paired categorical variable was compared with McNemer test.

Results:

Mean ages (±SD; in years) of Groups A and B were 9.87 (2.7) and 9.82 (3.17), respectively, with median duration of illness of 12 months. At baseline, type, severity, and parameters (IBS‐SSS) of IBS were equally distributed in 2 groups. There was a significant reduction in median interquartile range (IQR) of total IBS‐SSS in psyllium versus placebo [75 (42.5–140) vs 225 (185–270); P < 0.001] at 4 weeks. Similarly 43.9% in Group A versus 9.7% in Group B attained remission [IBS‐SSS < 75 (P < 0.0001)]. The mean difference in IBS‐SSS between Group A and Group B was −122.85 with risk ratio of 0.64 (95% CI; 0.42–0.83; P= 0.001) and absolute risk reduction of 32% (NNT = 3).

Conclusions:

Psyllium husk is effective for the therapy of pediatric IBS when compared with placebo in short term.
Changes in human sperm motility and DNA fragmentation index after incubation at different temperatures following density gradient centrifugation and swim-up procedures
Authors: Yang Yan-Nan , Wang Ling , Liu Yu-Bing , Xue Yun-Jing , Liu Chen-Chen , Shi Fei , Dai Xue , Chian Ri-Cheng
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sperm motility and DNA integrity at different temperatures to analyze whether the sperms are suitable on the second day for insemination of in vitro matured oocytes by intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) following density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up (SU) procedures.

Methods:

Semen samples were collected from 30 outpatients who visited the Center for Reproductive Medicine for semen analyses. Following sperm selection by DGC and SU procedures, the liquified semen samples were divided into three groups and incubated at 4, 25, and 37°C, respectively. Following incubation for 24, 48, and 72 hours, the sperm motility and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were analyzed.

Results:

Following the combination of DGC and SU procedures, the sperm motility (91.8% ± 8.6% vs. 50.8% ± 13.1%) and DFI (5.1% ± 7.9% vs. 13.0% ± 11.6%) were significantly improved (P <0.01) compared to those without any treatment. The sperm motility of the 3 groups significantly declined (P <0.05) post-incubation compared to that of the groups prior incubation. However, sperm motility significantly increased (76.9% ± 10.4%) (P <0.05) at 25°C compared to that of the other 2 groups (53.5% ± 11.0% and 47.6% ± 10.2%). Sperm DFI significantly increased (P <0.05) at 37°C following incubation for 24 and 72 hours in comparison to that of the other 2 groups. However, the sperm DFI did not significantly increase when the sperm samples were incubated at 4 (5.7% ± 5.9%) and 25°C (6.8% ± 5.6%) for 24 hours compared to that before incubation (5.1% ± 7.9%).

Conclusions:

These results indicate that the sperm quality, in terms of motility and DFI, can be efficiently improved by DGC in combination with SU. Following which, the sperm samples can be incubated at 25°C and be used on the second day for insemination of in vitro matured oocytes by ICSI.
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy improves clinical outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failure
Authors: Gu Rui-Huan , Fu Jing , Ge Nai-Dong , Li Zhi-Chao , Huang Bin , Xu Yan , Zou Yao-Yu , Li Lu , Sun Yi-Juan , Sun Xiao-Xi
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study is to study whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) improves the clinical outcomes of infertile patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of clinical pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage rates, and obstetric and perinatal outcomes of women with RIF with or without PGT-A. Statistical analyses of categorical data were performed using propensity score matching (PSM), χ2 test, and Student’s t test.

Results:

We enrolled 466 patients with RIF, of which, 209 were in the RIF-PGT-A group. The rate of euploid blastocysts was significantly associated with age and day 5 or 6 blastocysts. There were significant differences between the RIF-PGT-A group and the RIF-non-PGT-A group across several parameters. After PSM, positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin (56.9% and 33.9%, P <0.01), clinical pregnancy (49.5% and 31.2%, P <0.01), live birth (43.1% and 25.7%, P <0.01), and fetal heart rates (50.0% and 29.8%, P <0.01) per transfer were significantly higher in the RIF-PGT-A group.

Conclusion:

Elective single-embryo transfer PGT-A can minimize the risk of obstetric and perinatal outcomes, especially fetal body weight, in women with RIF. Additionally, PGT-A can significantly improve pregnancy and live birth rates.
Recommendations From the International Consensus Conference on Anemia Management in Surgical Patients (ICCAMS)
Authors: Shander Aryeh , Corwin Howard L. , Meier Jens , Auerbach Michael , Bisbe Elvira , Blitz Jeanna , Erhard Jochen , Faraoni David , Farmer Shannon L. , Frank Steven M. , Girelli Domenico , Hall Tiffany , Hardy Jean-François , Hofmann Axel , Lee Cheuk-Kwong , Leung Tsin W. , Ozawa Sherri , Sathar Jameela , Spahn Donat R. , Torres Rosalio , Warner Matthew A. , Muñoz Manuel
Published: September 2022

Background:

Perioperative anemia has been associated with increased risk of red blood cell transfusion and increased morbidity and mortality after surgery. The optimal approach to the diagnosis and management of perioperative anemia is not fully established.

Objective:

To develop consensus recommendations for anemia management in surgical patients.

Methods:

An international expert panel reviewed the current evidence and developed recommendations using modified RAND Delphi methodology.

Results:

The panel recommends that all patients except those undergoing minor procedures be screened for anemia before surgery. Appropriate therapy for anemia should be guided by an accurate diagnosis of the etiology. The need to proceed with surgery in some patients with anemia is expected to persist. However, early identification and effective treatment of anemia has the potential to reduce the risks associated with surgery and improve clinical outcomes. As with preoperative anemia, postoperative anemia should be treated in the perioperative period.

Conclusions:

Early identification and effective treatment of anemia has the potential to improve clinical outcomes in surgical patients.
Impact of Glomerulitis on Long-term Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Whigham Morgan , Heilman Raymond L. , Nair Sumi Sukumaran , Buras Matthew R. , Lim Elisabeth S. , Jaramillo Andres , Ramon Daniel S. , Ryan Margaret S. , Mour Girish K.
Published: September 2022

Background.

The Banff classification scheme provides a framework for interpreting transplant kidney biopsies and has undergone various updates in the past 2 decades especially related to antibody-mediated rejection. The clinical significance of early glomerulitis seen within 4 mo on protocol biopsies has received limited attention. We hypothesized that early glomerulitis seen on protocol biopsies will lead to significant adverse outcomes as assessed by histopathology and allograft outcome.

Methods.

A single-center retrospective study of a cohort of patients who underwent protocol biopsies within 4 mo after transplantation with timely follow-up protocol biopsies were assessed. Patients with recurrent glomerulonephritis were excluded.

Results.

We calculated glomerulitis (g) scores for 2212 biopsy specimens and identified 186 patients with glomerulitis (g > 0) and 2026 patients without glomerulitis (g = 0). The progression to chronic transplant glomerulopathy at 1 and 2 y was higher in patients with g > 0 as compared with g = 0 (year 1, 10.7% versus 2.3% [P < 0.001]‚ respectively; year 2, 17.2% versus 4.3% [P < 0.001], respectively) with no difference in other chronic lesions. The death-censored graft failure rate was higher in patients with g > 0 as compared with g = 0 (hazard ratio, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.07-2.65]; P = 0.02). We did not find any difference in outcomes in glomerulitis group based on donor-specific antibody.

Conclusion.

Our findings suggest that early glomerulitis (seen within 4 mo after transplantation) may lead to clinically significant long-term changes and thus could be a target for early intervention therapies.
bayroot: Bayesian sampling of HIV-1 integration dates by root-to-tip regression
Authors: Ferreira Roux-Cil , Wong Emmanuel , Poon Art F. Y.
Published: September 2022

The composition of the latent HIV-1 reservoir is shaped by when proviruses integrated into host genomes. These integration dates can be estimated by phylogenetic methods like root-to-top (RTT) regression. However, RTT does not accommodate variation in the number of substitutions over time, uncertainty in estimating the molecular clock or the position of the root in the tree. To address these limitations, we implemented a Bayesian extension of RTT as an R package (bayroot), which enables the user to incorporate prior information about the time of infection and start of antiretroviral therapy. Taking an unrooted maximum likelihood tree as input, we use a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to sample three parameters (the molecular clock, the location of the root, and the time associated with the root) from the posterior distribution. Next, we apply rejection sampling to this posterior sample of model parameters to simulate integration dates for HIV proviral sequences. To validate this method, we use the R package treeswithintrees to simulate time-scaled trees relating samples of actively- and latently-infected T cells from a single host. We find that bayroot yields significantly more accurate estimates of integration dates than conventional RTT under a range of model settings.
Kynurenine aminotransferase II inhibition promotes sleep and rescues impairments induced by neurodevelopmental insult
Authors: Milosavljevic Snezana , Smith Andrew K. , Wright Courtney J. , Valafar Homayoun , Pocivavsek Ana
Published: September 2022

Dysregulated sleep is commonly reported in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD). Physiology and pathogenesis of these disorders points to aberrant metabolism, during neurodevelopment and adulthood, of tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway (KP). Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a neuroactive KP metabolite derived from its precursor kynurenine by kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II), is increased in the brains of individuals with SCZ and BPD. We hypothesize that elevated KYNA, an inhibitor of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, contributes to sleep dysfunction. Employing the embryonic kynurenine (EKyn) paradigm to elevate KYNA in the fetal brain, we presently examined whether reducing KYNA in adulthood by pharmacologically inhibiting KAT II would improve sleep quality. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed either kynurenine (100 mg/day) (EKyn) or control wet mash (ECon) from embryonic day (ED) 15 to ED 22. In adulthood, male and female offspring were implanted with devices to record electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) telemetrically for continuous sleep-wake data acquisition. Each subject was treated with either vehicle or PF-04859989 (30 mg/kg, s.c.), an irreversible KAT II inhibitor, at zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 or ZT 12. KAT II inhibitor improved sleep architecture maintaining entrainment of the light-dark cycle; ZT 0 treatment with PF-04859989 induced transient improvements in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) during the immediate light phase, while the impact of ZT 12 treatment was delayed until the subsequent light phase. PF-04859989 administration at ZT 0 enhanced NREM delta spectral power and reduced activity and body temperature. In conclusion, reducing de novo KYNA production alleviated sleep disturbances and increased sleep quality in EKyn, while also improving sleep outcomes in ECon offspring. Our findings place attention on KAT II inhibition as a novel mechanistic approach to treating disrupted sleep behavior with potential translational implications for patients with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Neural activity is spatially clustered in motor and dorsal premotor cortex
Authors: Chehade Nick G. , Gharbawie Omar A.
Published: September 2022

Motor (M1) and dorsal premotor (PMd) cortex are central to arm and hand control in primates. Motor outputs in both areas confer somatotopically organized arm and hand zones. Here, we investigate the spatial mapping between those motor zones and movement-related neural activity to gain insight about functional organization in M1 and PMd. Two macaques reached and grasped while cortical activity was measured with intrinsic signal optical imaging. Activity maps were quantified in relation to microstimulation motor maps from the same hemispheres. Each activity map was comprised of many patches and overlapped surprisingly small portions of the motor map. Functional differences between the patches were inferred from their activity time courses and location within the motor map. We propose that M1 and PMd contain subzones that are preferentially tuned for specific actions. Thus, the spatial dimension of neural activity in frontal motor areas is an important organizing principle of the neural code for movement control.
Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms grown on denture acrylic to denture-cleaning agents and sonication
Authors: Behbehani Marwah , McDonald Ailbhe , Nair Sean P , Green Ingrid M
Published: September 2022

Background

Dentures can act as reservoirs for microorganisms that cause local and systemic diseases, including opportunistic pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp, leading causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of a brief cleaning protocol with four commonly used denture cleaning agents combined with ultra-sonic cleaning on P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii biofilms grown on denture acrylic. The effectiveness of a commercial sonicator on bacterial biofilm reduction was also evaluated.

Materials and Methods

P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii 48 h biofilms were grown in artificial saliva on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) discs, exposed to four disinfectants, with or without ultra-sonication, for 1 min and the number of viable bacteria post-exposure to the treatment determined. P. aeruginosa biofilms were exposed for one or five mins to two disinfectants plus a commercial sonicator.

Results

Ultra-sonication alone reduced total viable biofilm from 67.3% (A. baumannii) to 94.8% (P. aeruginosa). Without ultra-sonication, 0.012% sodium hypochlorite, Steradent® Active Plus and Ecolab® 0.2% chlorhexidine reduced P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii biofilms viable counts by between 99.3% and >99.99%. Sonication further reduced 99.3% kill to undetectable levels (>99.99% kill). Colgate®Total Pro-Gum Health Daily mouthwash reduced P. aeruginosa by 17% and A. baumannii biofilms by 2.1 log. These number were further reduced by >99.99% with sonication (p=<0.001). Domestic sonicators, such as those for cleaning jewellery at home, were effective when used in conjunction with denture cleaning agents.

Conclusion

Rapid reduction of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii biofilms on denture acrylic is possible with denture-cleaning agents and sonication

Highlights

Four antimicrobial agents tested against P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii biofilms

0.012% NaOCl and Steradent Active Plus were the most effective agents tested

Sonication improved chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride-based agents
Crossing-over decision landscape in maize
Authors: Zelkowski Mateusz , Wang Minghui , Sun Qi , Pillardy Jaroslaw , Kianian Penny M.A. , Kianian Shahryar F. , Chen Changbin , Pawlowski Wojciech P.
Published: September 2022

In most crops, including maize, meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs) occur in all chromosome regions but crossovers (COs) are predominantly near chromosome ends. To understand how the uniform DSB distribution changes into the U-shaped CO distribution, we generated high-resolution maps of CO intermediates. We found that DSBs with medium resection spans more often result in COs than those with shorter or longer resections. We also discovered that sites of CO intermediates associated with MLH3 in zygotene are uniformly distributed along chromosomes, resembling DSB distribution. However, in late prophase, they show the U-shaped distribution characteristic of COs. While zygotene MLH3 sites exhibit methylation levels similar to the genome average, late prophase sites have reduced DNA methylation. In contrast to DNA methylation, inter-parental DNA sequence polymorphism has limited effect on CO distribution. These data indicate that the final CO landscape shape in maize is established late during recombination and controlled by chromatin state.
Exposure to BA.4/BA.5 Spike glycoprotein drives pan-Omicron neutralization in vaccine-experienced humans and mice
Authors: Muik Alexander , Lui Bonny Gaby , Bacher Maren , Wallisch Ann-Kathrin , Toker Aras , Couto Carla Iris Cadima , Güler Alptekin , Mampilli Veena , Schmitt Geneva J. , Mottl Jonathan , Ziegenhals Thomas , Fesser Stephanie , Reinholz Jonas , Wernig Florian , Schraut Karla-Gerlinde , Hefesha Hossam , Cai Hui , Yang Qi , Walzer Kerstin C. , Grosser Jessica , Strauss Stefan , Finlayson Andrew , Krüger Kimberly , Ozhelvaci Orkun , Grikscheit Katharina , Kohmer Niko , Ciesek Sandra , Swanson Kena A. , Vogel Annette B. , Türeci Özlem , Sahin Ugur
Published: September 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its sublineages show pronounced viral escape from neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccination or prior SARS-CoV-2 variant infection owing to over 30 amino acid alterations within the spike (S) glycoprotein. We and others have recently reported that breakthrough infection of vaccinated individuals with Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2 are associated with distinct patterns of cross-neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). BA.2 breakthrough infection mediated overall stronger cross-neutralization of BA.2 and its descendants (BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5) compared to BA.1 breakthrough infection. Here we characterized the effect of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 S glycoprotein exposure on the magnitude and breadth of the neutralizing antibody response upon breakthrough infection in vaccinated individuals and in mice upon booster vaccination. We show that immune sera from triple mRNA-vaccinated individuals with subsequent Omicron BA.4/BA.5 breakthrough infection display broad and robust neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/BA.5. Administration of a prototypic BA.4/BA.5-adapted mRNA booster vaccine to mice following SARS-CoV-2 wild-type strain-based primary immunization is associated with similarly broad neutralizing activity. Immunization of naïve mice with a bivalent mRNA vaccine (wild-type + Omicron BA.4/BA.5) induces strong and broad neutralizing activity against Omicron VOCs and previous variants. These findings suggest that when administered as boosters, mono- and bivalent Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted vaccines may enhance neutralization breadth, and in a bivalent format may also have the potential to confer protection to individuals with no pre-existing immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
The spatio-temporal architecture of everyday manual behavior
Authors: Sili Daniele , Giorgi Chiara De , Pizzuti Alessandra , Spezialetti Matteo , de Pasquale Francesco , Betti Viviana
Published: September 2022

In everyday activities, humans use a finite number of postural hand configurations, but how do they flow into each other to create sophisticated manual behavior? We hypothesized that hand movement emerges through the temporal dynamics of a set of recurrent hand shapes characterized by specific transitions. Through a sensorized glove, we collected kinematics data from thirty-six participants preparing and having breakfast in naturalistic conditions. By means of a combined PCA/clustering- based approach, we identified a repertoire of hand states and their transitions over time. We found that manual behavior can be described in space through a complex organization of basic configurations. These, even in an unconstrained experiment, recurred across subjects. A specific temporal structure, highly consistent within the sample, seems to integrate such identified hand shapes to realize skilled movements. Our findings suggest that the simplification of the motor commands unravels in the temporal dimension more than in the spatial one.
DNA damage response signaling to mitochondria drives senescence
Authors: Yamauchi Shota , Sugiura Yuki , Yamaguchi Junji , Zhou Xiangyu , Odawara Takeru , Fukaya Shunsuke , Naguro Isao , Uchiyama Yasuo , Ichijo Hidenori
Published: September 2022

Cellular senescence is a stress-induced irreversible cell cycle arrest typically accompanied by expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4a (hereafter referred to as p16) and mitochondrial dysfunction1. Recent studies have indicated that p16-expressing senescent cells accumulate in the body over time and contribute to aging1, 2. Many stresses, such as telomere shortening and oncogene activation, induce senescence by damaging nuclear DNA1. However, the molecular mechanisms linking DNA damage to senescence remain unclear. Here, we show that the outer mitochondrial transmembrane protein BNIP3 drives senescence by triggering a DNA damage response (DDR) of mitochondria. BNIP3 was identified in a genome-wide siRNA screen for genes required for p16 expression upon DNA damage. Mass spectrometric analysis of BNIP3-interacting proteins yielded the DDR kinase ATM and subunits of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex. BNIP3 is an ATM substrate that increases the number of mitochondrial cristae upon DNA damage. This increase enhances the oxidation of fatty acids to acetyl-CoA, an acetyl group donor, thereby promoting histone acetylation and associated p16 expression. Our findings indicate that DDR signaling to mitochondria promotes p16 expression by altering mitochondrial structure and metabolism and highlight the importance of nuclear–mitochondrial communication in senescence induction.
A community healthcare clinic in Baltimore: healing environment, design criteria, and assessment metrics
Authors: Gharipour Mohammad , Tyne Intisar Ameen , Afsary Shermineh , Hemme Naomi , Trout Amber L.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify quick, effective and affordable architectural design solutions to improve the health of patients, visitors and staff, in an underfunded community healthcare center (CHC) in Baltimore.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative (individual and Focus group interviews) and quantitative methods (space syntax analysis and questionnaire survey) are used to assess the healing environment. The questionnaires cover interior and exterior environment related questions.

Findings

The questionnaire identifies three issues related to wayfinding, interior design, and access to natural light. The findings demonstrate that the waiting area, exam room and laboratory need to be upgraded. Incorporation of some other interior components including, wall art, plants, music, signage are also suggested by the respondents.

Originality/value

Very few studies in the USA have been done to understand the effects of architectural design to create a healing environment on the community scale.
The curvilinear relationship between hindrance stressors and bootlegging: the moderate role of state ownership
Authors: Chen Mengsang , Wang Xiaohui , Wu Haibo , You Aiqiong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide insights into bootleg innovation by investigating whether perceived hindrance stressors play an important role in bootlegging and how different organizational ownership types (state-owned enterprises (SOEs) vs non-SOEs) affect this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study samples comprised 3,967 employees from 674 knowledge-intensive companies in southern China. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the results show that hindrance stressors have a curvilinear (U-shaped) influence on bootleg innovation, and that the curve relationship between the hindrance stressors and bootlegging is more pronounced among employees in non-SOEs.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that either a low or high level of hindrance stressors can activate a high level of bootlegging activities among employees. These results suggest that managers need to be vigilant in detecting the level of hindrance because different motivations predominate at different stressor levels.

Originality/value

Based on the COR theory, the findings cast perceived hindrance stressors as an antecedent of bootlegging at the individual level. The inquiry into state ownership types further provides a comprehensive understanding of the non-linear relationship between hindrance stressors and bootlegging.
An assessment of tendencies toward teleworking using TAMs: lessons from Covid-19 era for post-pandemic days
Authors: Nosratzadeh Hossein , Edrisi Ali
Published: September 2022

Purpose

During the Covid-19 period, when human beings are socially isolated, telework is a viable solution to safeguard employees' health. Because many employees have never experienced such a working system and organizations have not planned for it before the pandemic, imposing employees to telework has adversely affected their productivity and efficiency. This study aims to identify factors affecting individuals' tendency toward teleworking during the pandemic, which can lead to practical solutions for the post-pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use of technology acceptance models, a conceptual model was designed. Data used to assess the model were cross-sectional and derived from 229 questionnaires filled out by employees in Tehran. The AMOS24 software processed the corresponding structural equation model.

Findings

The results from the cross-sectional data indicated that attitude toward telework and perceived behavioral control over the system were significantly correlated directly with the intention to telework, while perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of telework were correlated indirectly. Therefore, the integrated model predicts behavioral intentions better than single models performed separately.

Originality/value

Psychological and mental health research describing adoption intentions of telework, particularly those focusing on employees, is still lacking. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study in this regard that has used a conceptual model derived from two technology acceptance models during the Covid-19 outbreak. An era in which the extent of the pandemic has forced employees to experience such working systems and thus the importance and practicality of teleworking have been more evident to nearly every individual.
Keeping a lower profile: how firms can reduce their digital carbon footprints
Authors: Jackson Thomas W. , Hodgkinson Ian Richard
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In the pursuit of net-zero, the decarbonization activities of organizations are a critical feature of any sustainability strategy. However, government policy and recent technological innovations do not address the digital carbon footprint of organizations. The paper aims to present the concept of single-use dark data and how knowledge reuse by organizations is a means to digital decarbonization.

Design/methodology/approach

Businesses in all sectors must contribute to reducing digital carbon emissions globally, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine “how” from a knowledge (re)use perspective. Drawing on insights from the knowledge creation process, the paper presents a set of pathways to greater knowledge reuse for the reduction of organizations’ digital carbon footprint.

Findings

Businesses continually collect, process and store knowledge but generally fail to reuse these knowledge assets – referred to as dark data. Consequently, this dark data has a huge impact on energy use and global emissions. This model is the first to show explicit pathways that businesses can follow to sustainable knowledge practices.

Practical implications

If businesses are to be proactive in their collective pursuit of net-zero, then it becomes paramount that reducing the digital carbon footprint becomes a key sustainability target. The paper presents how this might be accomplished, offering practical and actionable guidance to businesses for digital decarbonization.

Originality/value

Two critical questions are facing businesses: how can decarbonization be achieved? And can it be achieved at a low-cost? Awareness of the damaging impact digitalization may be having on the environment is in its infancy, yet knowledge reuse is a proactive and cost-effective route to reduce carbon emissions, which is explored in the paper.
Subjective assessment on the preferences and perceptions of acoustic classification in eatery places
Authors: Mistar Noor Aini , Sulaiman Raha , Che Din Nazli Bin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the diners’ preference and perception on six acoustic classifications in eatery places during their casual dining. These classifications’ relationship with diners’ experience and significant impacts on diners’ preferences and perceptions during casual dining will be analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected quantitatively with randomly distributed self-administrated questionnaires during the restaurants' operating hours; 449 respondents who dined in at two casual dining restaurants in Melaka city area participated.

Findings

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests revealed that the majority of the diners were not adversely affected by the noise level, and they did not have difficulties with their conversations. The results also indicated that the respondents felt that the noise did not stop them from returning to the restaurants. This study's findings may lay the groundwork for future studies to provide the acoustic comfort classification in eatery places, which can also be integrated and synthesized to be used as a reference for acoustic design and practice.

Research limitations/implications

The number of participants used simple random sampling method. Therefore, the sample cannot be typical for the target population, and there is a limited possibility of generalizing the present findings. The data collection was only gathered from two eatery places with similar typologies at the similar demographic background of customers because it was collected at Melaka city. Thus, the impacts of customers may differ at other typologies and locate in different regions, and the physical environment and the quality offered are also different in other places. The measured determinant factors only focus on the diners’ characteristics; thus, future research should be done to investigate other determinant factors impacting the preference and perceived acoustical comfort in eatery places.

Practical implications

The findings in this study would provide a basis reference to assess and evaluate the acoustic classification in eatery places that suits the customers’ perceived satisfaction.

Social implications

This study identified that demographic characteristic, gender and age are not the prominent determinant factors influencing the diners’ preference and perceived acoustical comfort in eatery places. Moreover, the days and dining hours were also found to be the determinants that will influence the preferences.

Originality/value

This paper has developed determining factors on acoustics classification that can be applied upon designing eatery places as well as a fundamental approach in developing rating for acoustics comfort index as reference for the diners to choose where to dine based on their preference and activities.
The long-term impact of coaching in an executive MBA program
Authors: Fulmore Julia A. , Olson Jude , LaCoste Linda
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative study is to conduct an exploratory investigation of the impact and sustainability of coaching on career and leadership development of students and later, alumni, in an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for this qualitative study consisted of 14 alumni of an EMBA program at a private university in the Southwestern US who graduated between January 2012 and May 2019. Eleven alumni participated in the focus groups, and three alumni participated in personal interviews.

Findings

The open coding of the data resulted in three emergent themes (personal development by overcoming personal deficiencies, coaching translates to learning about leadership and coaching motivates sustained change) that confirmed the positive long-term effect of coaching as part of an EMBA program.

Practical implications

By participating in an executive coaching engagement, the EMBA students learned a development process that they could repeat for themselves after graduation and transfer to others. In addition, the EMBA students were able to leverage knowledge gained from the coaching experience for the development of others.

Originality/value

While the positive impacts of coaching are well-documented, its long-term impact on EMBA students/alumni has not yet been studied. This study builds on other evaluative studies to identify the benefits of executive coaching.
An empirical analysis of facilitators and barriers to the hybrid work model: a cross-cultural and multi-theoretical approach
Authors: Sampat Brinda , Raj Sahil , Behl Abhishek , Schöbel Sofia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the influence of facilitators and barriers on employees’ preference to work in a hybrid model. The study uses the theoretical lens of stimulus-organism-response (SOR) and dual factor theory (DFT). It examines the influence of health consciousness (stimulus), facilitators (e.g. work flexibility, work–life balance and team building) (organism) and barriers (e.g. pandemic and travel stressor and role overload [organism] on employees’ preference to work in a hybrid model) (response). Further, it tests the moderating influence of organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted among employees in India, Sri Lanka and Germany, obtaining 281 usable questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using Warp PLS 7.0 was used as the analytical technique to examine the model fit and test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that health consciousness is essential in enhancing facilitators and motivating employees to prefer a hybrid working model. The study’s findings also prove the positive influence of work flexibility, work–life balance and team building as facilitators. The results suggest that pandemic and travel stressors inhibit employees’ preference for working in a hybrid model.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a cross-sectional research design to generalise the findings. Future researchers can utilize longitudinal design to decipher the variation in response over time. The study has developed a model combining SOR with DFT; the authors suggest that future researchers use other theories in combination with SOR, like self-determination theory (SDT), to decipher the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of employees in the context of the hybrid working model.

Practical implications

This study identifies the need for open communication with the employees to overcome their concerns regarding the hybrid working model. The study also suggests that human resource (HR) managers need to prioritize the task that needs to be accomplished from the office versus working from home. The authors recommend various measures, like water cooler breaks and a buddy system, to motivate employees to work in a hybrid model.

Originality/value

This study is among the first studies focused on the hybrid working model. The current study adds to the limited literature on the facilitators and barriers of working in a hybrid work model.
Mismeasurement and efficiency estimates: Evidence from smallholder survey data in Africa
Authors: Abay Kibrom A. , Wossen Tesfamicheal , Chamberlin Jordan
Published: September 2022

Smallholder agriculture in sub‐Saharan Africa is commonly characterised by high levels of technical inefficiency. However, much of this characterisation relies on self‐reported input and production data, which are prone to systematic measurement error. We show theoretically that non‐classical measurement error introduces multiple identification challenges and sources of bias in estimating smallholders' technical inefficiency. We then empirically examine the implications of measurement error for the estimation of technical inefficiency using smallholder farm survey data from Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria and Tanzania. We find that measurement error in agricultural input and production data leads to a substantial upward bias in technical inefficiency estimates (by up to 85% for some farmers). Our results suggest that existing estimates of technical efficiency in sub‐Saharan Africa may be severe underestimates of smallholders' actual efficiency and what is commonly attributed to farmer inefficiency may be an artefact of mismeasurement in agricultural data. Our results raise questions about the received wisdom on African smallholders' production efficiency and prior estimates of the productivity of agricultural inputs. Improving the measurement of agricultural data can improve our understanding of smallholders' production efficiencies and improve the targeting of productivity‐enhancing technologies.
Lung adenocarcinoma coexisting with diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia manifesting as multiple pulmonary nodules: A case report
Authors: Inomata Sho , Matsumura Yuki , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Yamaguchi Hikaru , Watanabe Masayuki , Ozaki Yuki , Muto Satoshi , Okabe Naoyuki , Shio Yutaka , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH), a rare condition, is characterized by pathological proliferation of neuroendocrine cells. Some of them are localized to the airway mucosa, and others locally infiltrate to form tumorlets and nodules. Here, we present a patient with lung adenocarcinoma accompanied by DIPNECH, making the latter difficult to distinguish from multiple pulmonary metastases. The patient, a 72‐year‐old Japanese woman, was diagnosed as having stage IVA lung adenocarcinoma because she had multiple nodules in both lungs. Mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor gene having been found in the primary tumor, treatment with osimertinib was started. This resulted in shrinkage of the primary tumor, but not the multiple pulmonary nodules. To determine whether these lung nodules were indeed lung metastases, we performed right upper lobectomy with lymphadenectomy and wedge resection of the right lower lobe. On pathological examination, the primary tumor was diagnosed as invasive adenocarcinoma, whereas the multiple pulmonary nodules were diagnosed as DIPNECH manifesting as tumorlets. Therefore, the final diagnosis was stage IA1 lung adenocarcinoma accompanied by DINPECH. The patient had no recurrences 1 year after the operation without any additional treatment. This is a rare case of lung adenocarcinoma accompanied by DIPNECH presenting as multiple pulmonary nodules. DIPNECH should be included in the differential diagnosis of multiple pulmonary nodules.
Dysfunctional regulation of pivotal and key inflammatory pathways in infertile Indian women with genital tuberculosis
Authors: Parikh Firuza R. , Panpalia Madhavi , Mehta Trupti , Agarwal Sapna , Khandeparker Meenal , Chettiar Shiva Shankaran , Patel Alpesh , Jhala Devendrasinh D. , Chettiar Venkatlaxmi , Parikh Swapneil
Published: September 2022

Problem

Diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) remains elusive due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease. We evaluated if analysis of inflammatory pathways of endometrial tissue could establish a better diagnosis of FGTB.

Method of Study

One hundred and four infertile women suspected of having GTB or having been treated for GTB in the past, underwent endometrial biopsies for diagnosis and Gene Inflammatory Pathways analysis at our center between 2018–2020. Diagnosis of FGTB was based on acid‐fast bacilli culture, immunocytochemistry, nested‐polymerase chain reaction, histopathological examination, TB GeneXpert, or combinations thereof. Gene expression profiles were also analyzed.

Results

Based on diagnostic tests of 104 women, 44 (42%) were considered TB‐positive, 35 (34%) TB‐negative, and 25 (24%) TB‐negative after TB treatment in the past. Inflammatory pathways were significantly upregulated in TB‐positive women versus TB‐negative (41% vs. 6%; p = .0005), and in women who were TB‐negative after TB treatment in the past versus TB‐negative (never treated for TB in the past) (38% vs. 6%; p = .0037). Two‐hundred seventy‐one genes were upregulated, and 61 genes were downregulated in TB‐positive women versus those who were TB‐negative. Differentially expressed genes were mapped to various interlinked inflammatory signaling pathways, including mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), Natural Killer (NK) cells, nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐kB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and Toll‐like receptors (TLR) signaling.

Conclusions

Inflammatory pathways and gene expression profiles add to the diagnostic tools to identify TB‐positive women at an early stage. The results from this study are still experimental and large multi‐centric studies are suggested before their recommendation in routine clinical practice.
Prostaglandin E receptor 2 mediates the inducible effects of prostaglandin E2 on expression of growth factors and enzymes in cattle endometrial epithelial cells and explants
Authors: Zhang Shuangyi , Li Qianru , Mao Wei , Zhao Jiamin , Gong Zhiguo , Liu Bo , Cao Jinshan
Published: September 2022

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is able to induce the expression of several growth factors and enzymes in cattle endometria. However, the specific type of PGE2 receptors which mediates this effect is not fully clear. In this study, the role of prostaglandin E receptor 2 (PTGER2) in PGE2‐mediated induction of growth factors and enzymes expression in cattle endometrial explants and epithelial cells were investigated. PTGER2 was blocked by a PTGER2 antagonist, AH6809, before PGE2 treatment, then the mRNA and protein expression levels of several growth factors and enzymes were compared with that in PGE2 alone treatment group by real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting analysis in endometrial epithelial cells and explants. Results indicated that PGE2 significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of these growth factors and enzymes, while the rates of increment in the expression of these growth factors and enzymes were inhibited by AH6809. In addition, a PTGER2 agonist, butaprost, significantly increased the expression levels of these growth factors and enzymes, and the effect could be blocked by AH6809. In conclusion, PTGER2 was found to be one dominant receptor mediating the inducible effects of PGE2 on the expression of these growth factors and enzymes in cattle endometrial explants and epithelial cells.