bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agile strategies for middle managers
Authors: Kahl Joachim , de Klerk Saskia , Ogulin Robert
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper takes a holistic and process-based view on agility from a Middle Management (MM) perspective. Its purpose is to identify subjective factors of agility emerging from people's interpretations and perceptions and to integrate them into the process of agile strategy-making.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide a theoretical foundation, literature was reviewed in the area of agile diversity and strategy-making. A qualitative study based on interviews was conducted to uncover the hidden subjective factors from the personal experiences and perceptions of the participants.

Findings

The study has revealed that individual opinions in terms of agility can originate from three sources: individual understandings, contextual drivers and personal beliefs.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes to dynamic capability theory by providing a better understanding of agile diversity at the MM level. The findings can help mid-level executives to cope with the complexities and ambiguities in managing agility by aligning the different understandings and people's perceptions. This is crucial, as missing alignment of team members can lead to poor dynamic capabilities of business entities and thus threatens overall organisational agility.

Originality/value

A model was developed to align the subjective factors of agility during the process of agile strategy-making at the MM level. The framework allows a flexible adaptation to the individual demands of organisational units, as well as concentrated measures for effective agile management. It contributes to organisational agility and business success by scaling the dynamic capabilities of MM.
On the Property Management Services Ordinance of Hong Kong: concerns and implications
Authors: Wong Philip , Lai Joseph
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the concerns and implications of the recently enacted Property Management Services Ordinance (Cap. 626) (PMSO) of Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A review was undertaken to identify the characteristics of the property management-related legislation of common law jurisdictions similar to Hong Kong, which include Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Then, the development of the property management-related ordinances in Hong Kong and the key features of the PMSO were examined. Finally, a case study was conducted to demonstrate the potential problems of the PMSO.

Findings

There are various kinds of legislative controls on property management services in the above common law jurisdictions. The PMSO, which is the first to regulate property management services providers through a licencing system and introduce control on training and professional development, imposes limits on freedom of contract and self-regulation of professionals. Potential problems with the implementation of the PMSO are also revealed.

Research limitations/implications

This research analyses four common law jurisdictions. Property management services contracts in these jurisdictions are subject to governance by their case laws and market operations.

Practical implications

By virtue of the new licencing system of the PMSO, property management services contracts in Hong Kong become a new kind of specific contracts.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates the relationship between freedom of contract and public benefit. It contributes knowledge to the area of government policy formulation in property management.
Managers' responses to the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic: an executive coaching perspective
Authors: Terblanche Nicky H.D.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This research investigates how the Covid-19 pandemic initially affected organisational managers, as seen from their executive coaches' perspective by asking: (1) What challenges did managers experience during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic? and (2) How did coaching foster crisis management skills during this time? Executive coaches are in a unique, confidential and professionally intimate position to observe their clients' thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an interpretivist approach, interviews conducted with 26 executive coaches from the USA, UK, Australia and South Africa during the initial stages of the pandemic (first three weeks of April 2020) were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Coaches observed how the Covid-19 pandemic caused managers to experience a tension between managing their staff, their own bosses and themselves. Ranging from logistical challenges to personal fear, uncertainty and loss of identity, managers confided in and relied on their coaches to help them to reflect, provide support, but also challenge them to take a forward-looking stance. Findings were interpreted through the lenses of crisis management and coaching efficacy theory. Crisis management theory is extended by suggesting that greater priority must be given to managers' personal well-being and by adding coaching as a new intervention to develop crisis management skills. Coaching theory is extended by showing that executive coaching can foster certain crisis management skills and that the benefits of coaching in non-crisis times are also relevant during a crisis.

Practical implications

Managers, their leaders, executive coaches and purchasers of coaching services, such as human resource practitioners, should take note of the challenges managers face during crises. They should consider executive coaching as a support intervention to foster requisite crisis management skills.

Originality/value

The findings provide novel, empirical evidence suggesting that executive coaching could foster crisis management skills. The unique Covid-19 context provides rare insights into managerial thinking, emotions and behaviour during extreme crisis situations, contributing to the design of appropriate support interventions.
The underlying drivers of household purchase behaviour of life insurance
Authors: Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Ahsan Md Rajibul , Ismail Noor Azina , Rana Md Sohel
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Life insurance remains an essential part of financial and social security. The insurance penetration rate is high in the developed countries but very low in developing countries such as Malaysia, with only 4.8% penetration and extremely low underwritings. Therefore, this study aims to scrutinize the underlying determinants of a household purchase behaviour of life insurance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data generated from the administration of survey questionnaires to 325 households were analysed, using structural equation modelling to obtain the research purposes.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the knowledge of life insurance, attitudes towards life insurance, subjective norms (SN), trust and risk perception, affect the tendency of a household to purchase life insurance. The results of this study also highlight that households’ purchase-propensity influences the purchase behaviour of life insurance. Concurrently, the intention to purchase has mediating effects on explanatory variables and purchase behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper established awareness, SN, perceived behavioural control, trust and risk perception as the key determinants promoting positive attitudes towards purchasing life insurance. The findings of this study can be successfully applied to different stakeholders in a similar context. This study suggests that the managers of life insurance companies should adjust their policy guidelines in accordance with the positive relationship between the constructs and consumers’ intention to purchase life insurance.
The role of NGOs in sustainable supply chain management: a social movement perspective
Authors: Peng Sujie , Jia Fu , Doherty Bob
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the academic literature on non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs) role in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) to develop a conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic literature review through an analysis of 47 papers identified from peer-reviewed academic journals published from 2002 to 2020.

Findings

Adopting social movement theory and based on thematic findings, this paper proposes four steps and six propositions in the process of NGOs fostering SSCM. These include relative deprivation, political opportunities, resource mobilization and collective action, based on which we developed a conceptual framework regarding the role of NGOs in improving sustainability in supply chains. The proposed conceptual model opens a new avenue of research in NGO literature and several directions for further research.

Originality/value

This study may be the first to provide a systematic review of NGOs’ role in improving sustainability in supply chains. Moreover, by borrowing the social movement theory from sociology, this paper able to propose a new conceptual framework with a research agenda so as to deepen the understanding of the phenomenon and provide directions for future research.
Managerial political skill and achieved supply chain integration: the mediating effects of supply chain orientation and organizational politics
Authors: Bentley Jeffrey R. , Robinson Jessica L. , Zanhour Mona
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory, social capital theory, and perspectives of political influence in organizations, this study develops and tests a model in which managerial political skill is associated with internal, supplier and customer supply chain integration through two mediating mechanisms: facilitating a supply chain orientation and mitigating self-serving politics.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from three independent samples, one for each achieved state of integration (i.e. internal, customer and supplier) (ninternal= 225;ncustomer= 225;nsupplier= 225;N= 675). Hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling and indirect effects analysis. The potential impact of unmeasured endogenous factors was mitigated through appropriate survey design, statistical control, marker variable analysis and instrument variable usage.

Findings

Managerial political skill exhibited a positive, direct relationship with achieved internal and supplier integration. Supply chain orientation partially mediated the relationship for achieving integration with both customers and suppliers. Self-serving organizational politics was not associated with achieving internal, customer or supplier integration.

Research limitations/implications

By demonstrating the importance of political influence in achieving supply chain integration, the findings support the role of managerial social capital in the underlying social exchange processes that drive integration.

Originality/value

Despite the fundamental role of informal, social dynamics in supply chain integration, past research has largely focused on either the technical prowess of middle managers or the political skill of executives in supporting integration. The present study explicates the critical role of middle management political skill in actually achieving supply chain integration.
Two paths of social innovation in the post-pandemic world
Authors: Montgomery Thomas , Mazzei Micaela
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The Covid-19 pandemic has initiated a period of radical uncertainty, resulting in impacts on a scale that has and will continue to transform economies and societies across various contexts. Social innovation resonates with the challenges the pandemic presents. This paper aims to address the question of which form of social innovation will be most pivotal in the post-pandemic world.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has been developed by reviewing key literature on social innovation, with a specific focus on the most current contributions of Moulaert and MacCallum and Mulgan.

Findings

Social innovation is embedded in debates around social change but the “type” of social change that dominates the future of social innovation is connected to how social innovation interacts at different scales and with different actors engaged in shaping change in specific contexts. Building upon extant knowledge of social innovation we can hypothesise two paths of social innovation emerging/intensifying: one that seeks economic reform with an emphasis on meeting social needs in new ways and another that seeks complete systemic change.

Originality/value

This is a reflective piece that by reviewing current contributions to the social innovation literature questions the post-pandemic future of the field.
Locally focused and digitally oriented: examining eco-museums' digitization in a service quality management perspective
Authors: Palumbo Rocco , Ciasullo Maria Vincenza , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Caputo Andrea , Turco Mario
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Eco-museums safeguard the cultural authenticity and the historical identity of the place in which they operate. Conventional organizational models and management practices are generally employed to achieve this institutional aim. Conversely, innovative solutions – such as digitization – are overlooked. Adopting a service quality management perspective, the article intends to examine the role of managerialization and professionalization in triggering eco-museums' digitization.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical analysis involving 126 eco-museums operating in Italy as of 2018 was designed to investigate the implications of managerialization and professionalization on the eco-museums' propensity to embark on a digitization process. Two different forms of digitization were examined: (1) the presence of eco-museums in the digital environment; and (2) the exploitation of digital tools for service delivery. The mediating role of two “soft” total quality management (TQM) practices, i.e. people centredness and strategic focus on visitors' experience, was contemplated in the empirical analysis.

Findings

The research findings suggest that managerialization and professionalization have ambiguous effects on eco-museums' digitization. Nevertheless, they indirectly contribute to a greater digital presence of eco-museums and to a larger use of digital tools for service delivery through an increased use of soft TQM practices.

Research limitations/implications

Managerialization and professionalization are likely to foster the digital transition of eco-museums, which advances their ability to protect and promote the local cultural heritage. Soft TQM practices intended to achieve people-centredness and to enhance the visitors' experience should be exploited to stimulate the eco-museums' digitization.

Originality/value

The article examines the triggers of eco-museums' digitization, providing some food for thought to scholars and practitioners.
Pollen‐chemistry variations along elevation gradients and their implications for a proxy for UV‐B radiation in the plant‐fossil record
Authors: Seddon Alistair W. R. , Festi Daniela , Nieuwkerk Mayke , Gya Ragnhild , Hamre Børge , Krüger Linn Cecilie , Östman Silje A. H. , Robson T. Matthew
Published: June 2021

Research indicates that phenolic compounds (e.g. para‐coumaric acid) found within pollen grains may be useful as a proxy to reconstruct the UV‐B radiation received at the Earth's surface in the geological past. However, application of this method to the plant‐fossil record currently relies on a series of untested assumptions surrounding the ecological factors driving the response of pollen grains in the contemporary environment.

Here, we investigate the relationship of Pinus spp. pollen to UV‐B radiation using individuals of five populations sampled from three elevation gradients across Europe. We develop a novel radiation‐modelling approach, which allows us to estimate the UV‐B radiation dose of individual trees, weighted by different UV‐B action spectra. We then use linear mixed‐effects modelling to investigate: (a) whether the variations in UV‐B‐absorbing compounds in Pinus pollen are best described by models using coarser (subgenus) or finer (population) taxonomic levels; and (b) the duration of the period of accumulation of UV‐B‐absorbing compounds in pollen, ranging from 8 to 28 days.

Our results demonstrate an overall positive relationship between para‐coumaric acid and UV‐B radiation, best described by applying a UV‐B‐accumulation period spanning 12–19 days. However, we also show clear evidence for population‐level factors influencing this relationship across the study locations.

Synthesis. Our multidisciplinary approach, which combines expertise from palaeoecology, plant physiology and atmospheric physics, provides clear evidence that pollen‐grain chemistry is subject to population‐level variations. We suggest that quantitative reconstructions of long‐term changes in springtime UV‐B radiation are still achievable using fossil reconstructions, but only with careful consideration of the factors leading to pollen representation in sediments. Future improvements are dependent on mechanistic understanding of the local factors which mediate the UV‐B response across different populations, and on upscaling knowledge at the plant level to incorporate longer‐term chemical variations represented within sediment samples.
Termite mound formation reduces the abundance and diversity of soil resistomes
Authors: Yan Zhen‐Zhen , Chen Qing‐Lin , Li Chao‐Yu , Nguyen Bao‐Anh Thi , Zhu Yong‐Guan , He Ji‐Zheng , Hu Hang‐Wei
Published: June 2021

Termites are pivotal ecosystem engineers in tropical and subtropical habitats, where they construct massive nests (‘mounds’) that substantially modify soil properties and promote nutrient cycling. Yet, little is known about the roles of termite nesting activity in regulating the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the major Global Health challenges. Here, we conducted a large‐scale (> 1500 km) investigation in northern Australia and found distinct resistome profiles in termite mounds and bulk soils. By profiling a wide spectrum of ARGs, we found that the abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were significantly lower in termite mounds than in bulk soils (P < 0.001). The proportion of efflux pump ARGs was significantly lower in termite mound resistome than in bulk soil resistome (P < 0.001). The differences in resistome profiles between termite mounds and bulk soils may result from the changes in microbial interactions owing to the substantial increase in pH and nutrient availability induced by termite nesting activities. These findings advance our understanding of the profile of ARGs in termite mounds, which is a crucial step to evaluate the roles of soil faunal activity in regulating soil resistome under global environmental change.
Magic as a Useful Category of Historical Analysis
Authors: Stanmore Tabitha
Published: June 2021

This article outlines the role and function of ‘service’ magic in premodern society, and suggests ways in which the study of magic can be used as a lens to investigate and understand broader historical questions. Magic studies is a marginalised field, and the supernatural generally is treated as an unusual aspect of the human experience. This article shows that there are major benefits to reintegrating magic into wider historical studies. The article begins by introducing the concept of service magic as a phenomenon in premodern societies, and argues for its fundamental importance particularly during the medieval and early modern periods. Having established this, I explore the ways that its reintegration can affect our interpretation of the past. This article suggests ways in which magic might be useful for exploring other fields of social, political and economic history. Its function as an illicit tool makes magic a unique window for exploring a number of topics, such as cultures of tolerance and persecution, black market and proto‐capitalist economics, and liminal or marginalised communities.
Survivin promotes rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocyte cell proliferation, and the expression of angiogenesis‐related proteins by activating the NOTCH pathway
Authors: Ma Sha , Wang Jing , Lin Jun , Jin Song , He Fang , Mei Jian , Zhang Hong , Wang Shuya , Li Qin
Published: June 2021

Background

Survivin have been shown to play a crucial role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the regulatory mechanism of survivin in RA has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effect of survivin on the proliferation and apoptosis of human RA fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (RA‐HFLS) cells in RA and its underlying mechanism through the NOTCH pathway.

Methods

The RA synovial tissues of 65 RA patients with partial resection of synovium of knee joint by arthroscopy were collected. The expression of survivin in synovial tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the correlation of survivin expression and clinical‐pathological parameters of patients was analyzed. In vitro, the proliferation of HFLS and RA‐HFLS were detected by MTT; the apoptosis of HFLS and RA‐HFLS were detected by flow cytometry; the expression of survivin proteins, key protein factors (Notch1, Jagged1, Hes1) in the Notch pathway, and angiogenesis‐related proteins (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 [VEGFR1], Ang1, Ang2) were determined by western blot.

Results

We found that survivin was highly expressed in RA synovial tissues and RA‐HFLS cells, and was positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, cyclic citrullinated peptide, C‐reactive protein, Disease Activity Score of 28 joints and other pathological indexes. Knockdown survivin induces RA‐HFLS cell apoptosis, suppresses proliferation and the expression of VEGFR1, Ang1, Ang2. In addition, blocking Notch pathway using FLI‐06 significantly down‐regulated survivin expression. When survivin is up‐regulated, it promotes RA‐HFLS cell proliferation, the expression of VEGFR1, Ang1, Ang2 and suppresses apoptosis by activating the NOTCH.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that survivin promotes RA‐HFLS cell proliferation, the expression of angiogenesis‐related proteins and suppresses apoptosis by activating the NOTCH pathway.
Circular RNA circLDB2 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to suppress development and promote cisplatin sensitivity in non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Li Luguang , Zhang Weiyu , Zhang Guojun
Published: June 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNAs and are implicated in the development of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we identified the precise actions of circRNA LIM domain binding 2 (circLDB2, hsa_circ_0069244) in non‐squamous NSCLC development and drug sensitivity.

Methods

CircLDB2, microRNA (miR)‐346, and LIM and calponin‐homology domains 1 (LIMCH1) were quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) or western blot. Ribonuclease R (RNase R), actinomycin D, and subcellular localization assays were used to characterize circLDB2. Cell proliferation and viability, colony formation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were gauged by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation, flow cytometry, wound‐healing, and transwell assays, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull‐down, and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the direct relationship between miR‐346 and circLDB2 or LIMCH1. Animal studies were performed to evaluate the impact of circLDB2 in vivo.

Results

CircLDB2 was underexpressed in non‐squamous NSCLC and was identified as a bona fide circular transcript. Overexpression of circLDB2 impeded cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhanced apoptosis and cisplatin sensitivity in vitro, as well as promoted the antitumor effect of cisplatin in vivo. CircLDB2 regulated cell functional behaviors and cisplatin sensitivity by sponging miR‐346. LIMCH1 was a direct and functional target of miR‐346. Furthermore, circLDB2 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐346 to induce LIMCH1 expression.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that circLDB2 impeded non‐squamous NSCLC development and enhanced cisplatin sensitivity partially by acting as a ceRNA, highlighting circLDB2 as a promising candidate for the development of novel antitumor therapies.
Regional analgesia for lower leg trauma and the risk of acute compartment syndrome
Authors: Nathanson M. H. , Harrop‐Griffiths W. , Aldington D. J. , Forward D. , Mannion S. , Kinnear‐Mellor R. G. M. , Miller K. L. , Ratnayake B. , Wiles M. D. , Wolmarans M. R.
Published: June 2021

Pain resulting from lower leg injuries and consequent surgery can be severe. There is a range of opinion on the use of regional analgesia and its capacity to obscure the symptoms and signs of acute compartment syndrome. We offer a multi‐professional, consensus opinion based on an objective review of case reports and case series. The available literature suggested that the use of neuraxial or peripheral regional techniques that result in dense blocks of long duration that significantly exceed the duration of surgery should be avoided. The literature review also suggested that single‐shot or continuous peripheral nerve blocks using lower concentrations of local anaesthetic drugs without adjuncts are not associated with delays in diagnosis provided post‐injury and postoperative surveillance is appropriate and effective. Post‐injury and postoperative ward observations and surveillance should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of acute compartment syndrome. These observations should be made at set frequencies by healthcare staff trained in the pathology and recognition of acute compartment syndrome. The use of objective scoring charts is recommended by the Working Party. Where possible, patients at risk of acute compartment syndrome should be given a full explanation of the choice of analgesic techniques and should provide verbal consent to their chosen technique, which should be documented. Although the patient has the right to refuse any form of treatment, such as the analgesic technique offered or the surgical procedure proposed, neither the surgeon nor the anaesthetist has the right to veto a treatment recommended by the other.
Identification of CDKL3 as a critical regulator in development of glioma through regulating RRM2 and the JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Cui Yong , Yang Zhigang , Wang Hongxiang , Yan Yong , Huang Qilin , Gong Zhenyu , Hong Fan , Zhang Xu , Li Weiqing , Chen Juxiang , Xu Tao
Published: June 2021

Glioma is one of the most commonly diagnosed intracranial malignancies. The molecular mechanism underlying the development of glioma is still largely unknown. In this study, we present the first report concerning the function and mechanism of cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 3 (CDKL3) in the development and prognosis of glioma. It is shown that CDKL3 was upregulated in glioma tissues and could independently predict poor prognosis of patients. Silencing CDKL3 in glioma cells could inhibit cell proliferation and migration and induce cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, whereas the overexpression of CDKL3 promoted cell proliferation. The in vivo experiments also indicated that knockdown of CDKL3 significantly suppressed tumor growth of glioma. Gene expression profiling of CDKL3 knockdown U87 cells identified RRM2 as a potential target of CDKL3, which was proved to have direct interaction with CDKL3. Given similar effects on glioma development with CDKL3, knockdown of RRM2 could rescue the effects of CDKL3 overexpression on glioma cells. Moreover, knockdown of CDKL3 or RRM2 suppressed the activity of JNK signaling, whereas CDKL3 overexpression produced the opposite effect. In conclusion, our results identified CDKL3 as a promotor for glioma, probably through the regulation of RRM2 and activation of the JNK signalling pathway, highlighting the significance of CDKL3 as a promising therapeutic target of glioma.
Mediterranean fever gene variants modify clinical phenotypes of idiopathic multi-centric Castleman disease
Authors: Endo Yushiro , Koga Tomohiro , Ubara Yoshihumi , Sumiyoshi Remi , Furukawa Kaori , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: June 2021

Four cases of idiopathic multi-centric Castleman disease (iMCD) reportedly have variants in hereditary autoinflammatory disease-related genes; however, the frequency and role of these variants in iMCD is still unknown. We therefore investigated such gene variants among patients with iMCD and aimed to reveal the relationship between iMCD and autoinflammatory disease-related genes. We reviewed 14 Japanese iMCD patients who were recruited between January 2015 and September 2019. All patients met both the Japanese tentative diagnostic criteria for Castleman disease and the international consensus diagnostic criteria for iMCD. We performed genetic analyses for 31 autoinflammatory disease-related genes by targeted next-generation sequencing. The MEFV gene variants were observed in 10 of 14 patients with iMCD. Although iMCD had a high percentage of exons 2 or 3 variants of MEFV, comparison of data from healthy Japanese subjects indicated that there was no significant difference in the percentage between healthy Japanese subjects and patients with iMCD. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the TNFRSF1A and CECR1 genes were observed in two of the patients, respectively. We divided patients into two groups—those with MEFV variants (excluding E148Q variants) and those without MEFV variants—and compared the clinical characteristics between these two groups. Patients with MEFV variants, excluding E148Q variants, exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of fever and significantly lower levels of hemoglobin than those lacking MEFV variants. Our results indicated that patients with iMCD tended to have a high frequency of MEFV gene variants and the presence of such variants can affect iMCD clinical phenotypes.
Mechanisms and biomarkers of airway epithelial cell damage in asthma: A review
Authors: Yang Yuemei , Jia Man , Ou Yingwei , Adcock Ian M. , Yao Xin
Published: June 2021

Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease with complex pathological mechanisms representing different phenotypes, including severe asthma. The airway epithelium is a major site of complex pathological changes in severe asthma due, in part, to activation of inflammatory and immune mechanisms in response to noxious agents. Current imaging procedures are unable to accurately measure epithelial and airway remodeling. Damage of airway epithelial cells occurs is linked to specific phenotypes and endotypes which provides an opportunity for the identification of biomarkers reflecting epithelial, and airway, remodeling. Identification of patients with more severe epithelial disruption using biomarkers may also provide personalised therapeutic opportunities and/or markers of successful therapeutic intervention. Here, we review the evidence for ongoing epithelial cell dysregulation in the pathogenesis of asthma, the sentinel role of the airway epithelium and how understanding these molecular mechanisms provides the basis for the identification of candidate biomarkers for asthma prediction, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.
Hyponatremia is an independent predictor of emergency department revisits in acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Tokgöz Akyıl Fatma , Tural Önür Seda , Abalı Hülya , Sökücü Sinem , Özdemir Cengiz , Boyracı Neslihan , Kocaoğlu Aslı , Altın Sedat
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Hyponatremia is shown to prolong hospitalization and increase mortality. The role of hyponatremia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is widely studied with a focus on hospitalized patients.

Objectives

To investigate whether hyponatremia increases the probability of re‐exacerbations in non‐hospitalized patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods

Patients with AECOPD who required an emergency department (ED) visit and who were discharged home were included in this single‐center, retrospective study. Demographics and laboratory values were compared between patients with hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L) and normonatremia (135‐145 mmol/L). The predictors of the patients’ ED revisit in the course of one year were analyzed.

Results

Of all the 3274 patients, baseline sodium values were classified as hyponatremia in 720 (22%). Hyponatremia was most frequently present as mild (85%). Patients with hyponatremia had higher Charlson comorbidity scores, higher leucocytes, lower hemoglobin, lower platelet, higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, lower eosinophilia, higher aspartate aminotransferase and C‐reactive protein values (P < 0.001, for all), and higher frequency of 1‐month revisit (36.7% vs. 31.5%, P = 0.009). Independent predictors of revisits within 1 year after the index visit were detected as long‐term oxygen treatment requirement (HR: 0.768 CI: 0.695‐0.848, P < 0.0001), higher urea levels (HR: 0.997 CI: 0.995‐0.999, P = 0.003), and baseline hyponatremia (HR: 0.786 CI: 0.707‐0.873, P < 0.001). Revisit interval was median 78 ± 3.4 days in patients with normonatremia and 51 ± 4.8 days in hyponatremia.

Conclusion

In non‐hospitalized AECOPD, hyponatremia is relatively frequent and correlates with inflammatory markers. The presence of hyponatremia is an independent predictor of an earlier ED return visit within 1 year. For patients with AECOPD, sodium values may present guidance on discharge versus longer observation decisions.
Variation in virulence and its relation to hyphal growth and enzyme activity of Raffaeleaquercivora, a Japanese oak wilt pathogen
Authors: Torii Masato , Kusumoto Dai , Yamada Toshihiro
Published: June 2021

The pathogenic fungus Raffaelea quercivora kills members of the Fagaceae throughout Japan. Although the amount of host damage caused by different strains of the pathogen varies, the degree of this variation and the underlying factors have not been thoroughly examined. We used 40 R. quercivora isolates collected across Japan from different oak and other Fagaceae species and evaluated their virulence in the stem of Konara oak (Quercus serrata), compared their hyphal growth in living and gamma‐irradiated Japanese oak (Quercus crispula) twigs and evaluated their activity of carbohydrate‐degrading enzymes. Of the 40 isolates examined, half were considered avirulent as the width of sapwood discoloration induced by inoculation did not differ significantly from the control. The extension of hyphal growth in living twigs correlated positively with the width of discoloured sapwood induced by inoculation in living twigs and with the extension of hyphal growth in gamma‐irradiated twigs. Activity of starch‐ and pectin‐degrading enzymes was positively correlated with the width of discoloured sapwood induced by inoculation. These results suggest that virulence variation among R. quercivora strains is at least partially related to their ability to grow in sapwood and feed on easily accessible carbohydrates.
Evidence for PKD2L1‐positive neurons distant from the central canal in the ventromedial spinal cord and medulla of the adult mouse
Authors: Jurčić Nina , Michelle Caroline , Trouslard Jérôme , Wanaverbecq Nicolas , Kastner Anne
Published: June 2021

Neurons in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are found around the medullo‐spinal central canal (CC) in adult mice. These neurons (CSF‐cNs), located within or below the ependymal cell layer, known as the stem cell niche, present a characteristic morphology with a dendrite projecting to the CC and ending with a protrusion. They are GABAergic, present an intermediate neuronal maturity and selectively express PKD2L1, a member of the transient receptor potential channel superfamily with sensory properties. Using immunohistological and electrophysiological recording techniques in mice, we characterize the properties of a new population of PKD2L1 positive cells that is distant from the CC in a zone enriched with astrocytes and ependymal fibers of the ventro‐medial spinal cord and medulla. They appear around embryonic day 16 and their number increases up to early postnatal days. With development and the reorganization of the CC region, they progressively become more distant from the CC, suggesting some migratory capabilities. These neurons share functional and phenotypical properties with CSF‐cNs but appear subdivided in two groups. One group, present along the midline, has a bipolar morphology and extends a long dendrite along ependymal fibers and towards the CC. The second group, localized in more ventro‐lateral regions, has a multipolar morphology and no apparent projection to the CC. Altogether, we describe a novel population of PKD2L1+ neurons distant from the CC but with properties similar to CSF‐cNs that might serve to sense modification in the composition of either CSF or interstitial liquid, a function that will need to be confirmed.
Clinical presentation of new onset refractory status epilepticus in children (the pSERG cohort)
Authors: Sculier Claudine , Barcia Aguilar Cristina , Gaspard Nicolas , Gaínza‐Lein Marina , Sánchez Fernández Iván , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Anderson Anne , Arya Ravindra , Burrows Brian T. , Brenton James N. , Carpenter Jessica L. , Chapman Kevin E. , Clark Justice , Gaillard William D. , Glauser Tracy A. , Goldstein Joshua L. , Goodkin Howard P. , Gorman Mark , Lai Yi‐Chen , McDonough Tiffani L. , Mikati Mohamad A. , Nayak Anuranjita , Peariso Katrina , Riviello James , Rusie Allison , Sperberg Katherine , Stredny Coral M. , Tasker Robert C. , Tchapyjnikov Dmitry , Vasquez Alejandra , Wainwright Mark S. , Wilfong Angus A. , Williams Korwyn , Loddenkemper Tobias ,   pSERG
Published: June 2021

Objective

We aimed to characterize the clinical profile and outcomes of new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) in children, and investigated the relationship between fever onset and status epilepticus (SE).

Methods

Patients with refractory SE (RSE) between June 1, 2011 and October 1, 2016 were prospectively enrolled in the pSERG (Pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group) cohort. Cases meeting the definition of NORSE were classified as "NORSE of known etiology" or "NORSE of unknown etiology." Subgroup analysis of NORSE of unknown etiology was completed based on the presence and time of fever occurrence relative to RSE onset: fever at onset (≤24 h), previous fever (2 weeks–24 h), and without fever.

Results

Of 279 patients with RSE, 46 patients met the criteria for NORSE. The median age was 2.4 years, and 25 (54%) were female. Forty (87%) patients had NORSE of unknown etiology. Nineteen (48%) presented with fever at SE onset, 16 (40%) had a previous fever, and five (12%) had no fever. The patients with preceding fever had more prolonged SE and worse outcomes, and 25% recovered baseline neurological function. The patients with fever at onset were younger and had shorter SE episodes, and 89% recovered baseline function.

Significance

Among pediatric patients with RSE, 16% met diagnostic criteria for NORSE, including the subcategory of febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). Pediatric NORSE cases may also overlap with refractory febrile SE (FSE). FIRES occurs more frequently in older children, the course is usually prolonged, and outcomes are worse, as compared to refractory FSE. Fever occurring more than 24 h before the onset of seizures differentiates a subgroup of NORSE patients with distinctive clinical characteristics and worse outcomes.
The fibroblast: An emerging key player in thymic T cell selection
Authors: Nitta Takeshi , Ota Ayami , Iguchi Takahiro , Muro Ryunosuke , Takayanagi Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Fibroblasts have recently attracted attention as a key stromal component that controls the immune responses in lymphoid tissues. The thymus has a unique microenvironment comprised of a variety of stromal cells, including fibroblasts and thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the latter of which is known to be important for T cell development because of their ability to express self‐antigens. Thymic fibroblasts contribute to thymus organogenesis during embryogenesis and form the capsule and medullary reticular network in the adult thymus. However, the immunological significance of thymic fibroblasts has thus far only been poorly elucidated. In this review, we will summarize the current views on the development and functions of thymic fibroblasts as revealed by new technologies such as multicolor flow cytometry and single cell–based transcriptome profiling. Furthermore, the recently discovered role of medullary fibroblasts in the establishment of T cell tolerance by producing a unique set of self‐antigens will be highlighted.
High‐throughput phenotyping of soybean genotypes under base saturation stress conditions
Authors: Andrade Sinomar Moreira , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Baio Fábio Henrique Rojo , Campos Cid Naudi Silva , Roque Cassiano Garcia , Silva Júnior Carlos Antonio da , Coradi Paulo Carteri , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: June 2021

The search for high‐yielding genotypes and that are tolerant to abiotic stresses has been a major goal in plant breeding. Thus, the use of technologies such as precision agriculture associated with remote sensing tools for plant phenotyping has increased. The hypothesis of this research was that soya bean genotypes respond differently to low and adequate base saturation levels in the soil and that vegetation indexes can be efficient auxiliary tools in plant phenotyping for this purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and agronomic performance of soya bean genotypes grown in low and recommended base saturation conditions using high‐throughput phenotyping. The research was carried out in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 crop seasons, in which two field experiments in each season were installed. In experiment I, genotypes (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9 and P10) were evaluated without soil correction (low saturation condition). In experiment II, liming was performed three months before sowing of the genotypes to raise the base saturation to 60% (recommended saturation). Canopy spectral behaviour at the following wavelengths was evaluated: green (550 nm), red (660 nm), red edge (735 nm) and near‐infrared (790 nm), and the vegetation indices (Vis) NDVI, SAVI, EVI and MSAVI were calculated. The variables evaluated were leaf calcium and magnesium contents and grain yield. The use of VI’s was efficient in assessing the performance of genotypes soya bean at different base saturation levels. The EVI showed moderate correlation with the nutritional and agronomic variables measured in each base saturation level. The approach used enabled both to identify genotypes tolerant to low base saturation soils and the ones with better response to liming.
Ophthalmic adverse events following facial injections of botulinum toxin A: A systemic literature review
Authors: Skorochod Ron , Nesher Ronit , Nesher Gideon , Gronovich Yoav
Published: June 2021

Background

Over the years, botulinum toxin has found its place as a neuromuscular blocking agent in numerous medical fields. Since the approval of botulinum toxin by the FDA for cosmetic indications in 2002, it had become the most commonly performed esthetic procedure worldwide, with ever‐growing demand. The characteristics of the toxin, along with the facial areas it is injected to, could possibly account for a wide array of complication.

Methods

The authors conducted a literature search for reported cases of ophthalmic adverse events following Botulinum toxin facial injections in the electronic databases of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

Results

The authors found 25 publications, reporting 49 cases of ophthalmic adverse events following botulinum toxin injections. Injections for cosmetic indications accounted for 51% of all injections, treatment of blepharospasms for 22% of cases, protective ptosis for 11% of cases, and treatment of hemifacial spams for 8% of cases. The average quantity of botulinum toxin injected to a single patient ranged between 1.25 and 75 units, with a median of 13.75 units.Majority of injections for cosmetic indications were performed to the lateral canthal area (56%), followed by the glabella (28%) and the forehead (20%).Adverse events following injections included diplopia (64%), ptosis (14%), and decrease in visual acuity or vision loss (8%).

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin is gaining extreme popularity in the management of a wide area of diseases and for cosmetic indications. Proper knowledge of potential adverse events is crucial for the clinician in attempt to decrease complications.
Oral manifestations of Hydroa vacciniforme‐like lymphoproliferative disorder: a clinicopathological study of a Peruvian population
Authors: López de Cáceres Cinthia Veronica Bardález , Rodrigues‐Fernandes Carla Isabelly , Rendón Henao Javier , Morais Thayná Melo de Lima , Soares Ciro Dantas , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Delgado‐Azañero Wilson
Published: June 2021

Background

Hydroa vacciniforme‐like lymphoproliferative disorder (HVLPD) is a chronic Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive lymphoproliferative disease which may either present as an indolent condition or progress to a systemic T‐cell lymphoma.

Methods

All HVLPD diagnosed over a 10‐year period were retrieved, and clinical data regarding sex, age, oral and systemic manifestations, and clinical follow‐up were obtained. Immunohistochemistry was done in order to characterize the lymphoid cells, and in situ hybridization was used to demonstrate the presence of EBV.

Results

Eleven cases were included, with a male predominance and a mean age of 25.1 years. Buccal mucosa and the lips were the most affected oral sites, appearing as painful ulcers. All patients exhibited facial oedema, usually affecting the lips, nose and periorbital region. The clinical course was gradual but progressive, with four patients having fever and 3 showing lymphadenopathies. All cases showed a moderate to severe lymphocytic infiltrate with angiotropism, angiocentricity and epidermotropism. Two cases affecting the lip skin exhibited a periappendageal lymphocytic infiltrate. Few large pleomorphic cells were found, surrounded by smaller and medium‐sized lymphoid cells, as well as reactive plasma cells, macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils. All lesions exhibited a cytotoxic T‐cell (CD8+) phenotype with a variable proliferative index. All cases were associated with EBV, and all patients died due to complications of the disease.

Conclusions

HVLPD is a rare disease that may show oral involvement with a cytotoxic T‐cell phenotype, and is strongly associated with EBV. As shown in this series, HVLPD may show aggressive clinical behaviour.
School‐Based Health Literacy Programs for Children (2‐16 Years): An International Review
Authors: Nash Rosie , Patterson Kira , Flittner Anna , Elmer Shandell , Osborne Richard
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Health literacy impacts children's health and educational attainment. Therefore, determining the most appropriate pedagogical design is critical. The long‐term health benefits of health literacy for each child's life course further justify this imperative. School‐based health literacy programs are of interest internationally.

METHODS

We brainstormed the search terms and established inclusion/exclusion criteria for this systematic review. We searched 2 databases (CINAHL, ERIC) following PRISMA guidelines. Three authors screened and sorted the findings.

RESULTS

We identified 21 relevant studies from 629 retrieved. Few (6/21) studies were situated in the primary school setting.

CONCLUSIONS

This review found a variety of project designs, evaluation methods, and conceptual models. Descriptive analysis of the final 21 papers highlighted the importance of multicomponent design (whole‐of‐school and curriculum), cross‐curricula integration, professional development for teachers, age of children, role of parents, and role of community. The results of this analysis may inform primary school program design in the future. Schools provide a logical setting for health literacy development. Despite the evidence that adolescence is too late, few studies have been situated in primary schools. Teachers lack confidence to teach health and need ongoing professional development. Parent, child, and community voices are essential for sustained engagement and program success.